India have added spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar to their Test squad for the remaining series against New Zealand. The second Test is scheduled in Pune from October 24-28, while the third Test will take place in Mumbai from November 1-5.

Reason for Washington Sundar’s inclusion in India’s Test squad

Speaking to the media ahed of the second Test, Team India’s fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate explained that the addition of Sundar provides India with an option to take the ball away from left-handers.

“Look, we’ve obviously got Axar in the squad as well. They’re filled with four left-handers in their 11. We want the option to take the ball away from the left-handers as well,” he stated. He also noted that Sundar’s recent performances in domestic cricket, particularly his impressive 152 runs against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, warranted his selection.

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“You know, we’ve had Washi around the white ball squad for a while and we like the way he operates. It’s also nice to see that guys are getting rewarded for a Ranji Trophy performances as well,” he added.

“So hopefully that sends a good message out to all the other guys. But it’s certainly not a desperate measure. We’ve got a lot of faith in the spinners we have. We just want to make sure we’re absolutely prepared for conditions. And if that does mean taking the ball away from the left-hander, we want that option.”

Five spinners in Indian Test squad

Sundar’s inclusion brings India’s spin arsenal to five, joining established spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. This depth in spin options is crucial given India’s recent struggle in the first Test, where they suffered an embarrassing defeat by eight wickets after being bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings.

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