Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar made a surprising U-turn after initially criticizing the decision to include Washington Sundar instead of Kuldeep Yadav for the second Check Match against New Zealand on Thursday. Washington was added to the India squad after the first Test match defeat in Bengaluru and his inclusion in the playing XI led Gavaskar to say it was a “panic” decision. However, the all-rounder put in a surprising performance and needed seven wickets to put India in control. Even Gavaskar was impressed with his performance and in the comments, the legend commented: “What an inspired selection. “They pick him in the XI because he can bat a little and bowl a little.”
Earlier, Gavaskar was not convinced with India’s decision to make three changes in their as soon as. KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj were dropped for the second Test as Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar and Akash Deep made their way into the playing XI.
“It feels like a panic decision taken by the Indian team. You don’t make three changes in the team very often,” Gavaskar said on the broadcast after Thursday’s toss.
India trails the three-match series 0-1 after losing the first Test by eight wickets last week. Rohit Sharma and Co. had been bowled out for 46 in the first Test of the Bengaluru Test.
«I don’t see many teams making three changes unless there are injury concerns. Even Washington Sundar tells you that they are worried about his batting. More than their bowling, they need their batting order as a cushion,” Gavaskar said. .
“Yes, there is a lot of talk about left-handers in New Zealand’s batting unit, but I would have gone for Kuldeep Yadav, who can also dismiss a left-hander,” Gavaskar added.
(With PTI inputs)
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