Washington Sundar Reflects on 'God's Plan' After Career-Best Performance in Pune

 Washington Sundar's return to Test cricket in Pune during the second Test against New Zealand was truly remarkable. After over three-and-a-half years away from the Test arena, Sundar was not part of the original squad. A last-minute call-up had him rushing from Delhi, where he was competing in the Ranji Trophy. Despite the whirlwind transition, he delivered an extraordinary performance, taking 7 wickets for 59 runs, his career-best Test figures. His joy and disbelief were palpable as he reflected on the special day, smiling through the exhaustion.

The first day of the Test unfolded perfectly for Washington Sundar, whose spin bowling proved to be New Zealand’s undoing. India’s selectors had recalled him out of necessity when an injury sidelined another player, but Sundar’s performance quickly silenced any doubts about his readiness. The pitch at Pune was dry, and although it did not turn sharply on the first day, Sundar used his variations in flight, pace, and accuracy to mesmerize the New Zealand batsmen. Each breakthrough further drained the visitors’ resistance as he dismissed top-order and middle-order batsmen alike with his consistent line and length. It wasn’t just the wickets he took that stood out, but how he did it — with control and maturity beyond his years.

The key to Sundar’s success lay in his discipline, not trying to over-attack but allowing the surface to offer just enough assistance for his natural skillset. Early in the innings, he dismissed both openers with subtle variations. His ability to bowl to the field set by his captain allowed India to control the run rate and apply pressure. As the ball aged, Sundar’s subtle drift and dip became more prominent, making it difficult for New Zealand’s middle order to form partnerships.

His spell was characterized by strategic intelligence and an unrelenting focus. Bowling from a steady rhythm, Sundar constantly adjusted his lengths to exploit any turn or bounce the pitch offered. His seven wickets included key dismissals of established New Zealand players, halting their progress and ensuring India maintained a firm grip on the match.

What made this performance even more remarkable was the context of Sundar’s journey leading up to this game. Being out of the Test side for such a long period and not even being in the initial squad could have caused doubts to creep in. However, Sundar remained focused on his domestic game, honing his skills in the Ranji Trophy, where he had been performing admirably. When the call came, he was mentally prepared to step up, making his performance in Pune a testament to his resilience and readiness. His years in limited-overs cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL), had shaped him into a player capable of handling pressure situations, but it was his natural affinity for Test cricket that truly shone through.

The Indian team’s celebration after his seventh wicket reflected how much the moment meant not just for Sundar but for the team as well. His contribution was pivotal in restricting New Zealand to a total that could be manageable for the Indian batsmen in the following innings. The crowd at the stadium roared with approval as Sundar led the Indian players off the field, his face glowing with a sense of fulfillment. 

Reflecting on the day, Washington Sundar couldn’t hide his joy. His smile spoke volumes as he said, “I’m really grateful for this day, I don’t think I’ll ever forget it; it’s very special.” His humility, even in the face of such a triumphant return, showcased the attitude that had earned him a place back in the Indian side. Sundar acknowledged the support of his teammates and the hard work that had gone into preparing for this moment, but it was clear that his natural talent and love for the game were central to his success.

As the second day approached, Sundar’s focus was already shifting to the remainder of the match. Despite the personal glory, he remained committed to helping India secure a victory in the series. His return had sparked a renewed energy within the Indian camp, and his teammates were eager to capitalize on the momentum he had generated. For Sundar, this was not just about a single day of success but about contributing to India’s long-term goals in Test cricket.

Sundar’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and humility. His career-best figures in this Test match were more than just statistics; they symbolized his unwavering dedication to the game. As he walked off the field, his place in India’s Test team had been cemented once more. His remarkable return will be remembered as one of the great comebacks in Indian cricket, and the memory of that day in Pune, where he spun magic with the ball, will stay with him and cricket fans for years to come.