October 23, 2024: Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar made a stunning return to Test cricket with a crucial seven-wicket haul against New Zealand in the first Test at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Stadium (MCA), which has silenced doubts over his inclusion in the playing eleven.
Speaking to BCCI, the youngster said that while he was playing white-ball cricket for India consistently, he was manifesting for his Test return since last two months or so.
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“I believed I would be getting a call, no matter when. Whenever you get a call to join the Test squad, it is going to be special. When you think about something, wish for something and it happens, it is an unreal feeling. I am grateful to be able to experience those feelings and be back to the Test squad. A seven-for, very very special,” he further added.
Washington said that his seven-wicket haul on return to Test cricket is one of those things he cannot explain in words and credited his Ranji return for helping him make a return in whites for India.
“I have played the Tamil Nadu-Delhi game. It went very well for me. It was a perfect set-up for me to get to this game. The confidence was high and I had hit my best rhythm with both bat and ball,” he added.
Washington said that his debut Test at the Gabba in Australia will always be special to him. During that Test, the last of the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy away from home, India had fielded its most inexperienced playing eleven, with the series at stake. Sundar justified all the faith put in him with four wickets taken throughout the match, a knock of 62 and a lower-order partnership with Shardul Thakur in the first innings that gave India a fighting chance at a win and later a cameo of 22 in 29 balls that fast-tracked Rishabh Pant and Indian team to target of 328 and hand Australia a loss after 32 years at the venue.
“The Gabba Test would forever be special. No two ways about it. My debut game, won it. Will never forget this Pune Test either. I made my IPL debut here. Every game I play in this format is special. So to be back in the playing eleven straight away, I am grateful to the coach and captain for that,” he concluded.
Now, back in the Test format, Sundar is ready to make his mark once more, crediting his success to hard work and his unwavering belief that he would receive a Test recall. With his Pune performance, he has proven to be a game-changer, and his all-around abilities offer India invaluable depth in both batting and bowling.
