Washington Sundar delivered a career-defining performance, scoring a stunning 7-wicket haul to dismantle New Zealand for 259 on the first day of the second Test in Pune. His remarkable 7/59 came at a crucial time for India, who lost the first Test in Bengaluru and were under pressure to bounce back. Sundar's selection in place of Kuldeep Yadav proved crucial as he broke through New Zealand's middle and lower order to give India a solid start to the second Test.

Reflecting on his performance, Sundar described his day as a dream come true: “What happened today is a dream come true. Living the dream is an incredible feeling.” His sincere gratitude to his team management was evident as he added: “I made this happen for a few weeks in this particular series… It's a great opportunity because I'm not part of it of the squad that was in the starting eleven.” Series with.”

After New Zealand started strongly with Devon Conway (76') and Rachin Ravindra (65') putting the visitors under control at 197-3, Sundar's heroics changed the game. His effort just before tea, dismissing Ravindra and Tom Blundell in quick succession, was the turning point that turned the momentum back in India's favour.

Sundar's devastating throw shattered Ravindra's stumps and Blundell followed soon after as India regained control. When Sundar returned after the tea break, he continued his attack, dismissing Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee and Ajaz Patel in quick succession.

I knew I would play…

The all-rounder revealed that he was told that he would take part in the Pune Test two days before the game. Sundar said he was “grateful” for the captain and the coach as he was not originally part of the squad.

“I knew two days ago that I would play. It was a great opportunity, especially because I wasn't part of the series squad in the first Test. “To get the opportunity after the first Test after being drafted… I am really grateful,” Sundar said JioCinema.

Sundar's brilliance was underlined by spin partner Ravichandran Ashwin, who took 3-64, including the coveted scalp of Conway. Ashwin also created history by overtaking Nathan Lyon to secure the seventh spot on the all-time wicket-taker list with his 531st dismissal.

“It's amazing. We (Sundar and Ashwin) communicated a lot with each other. We were excited to see what Wicket had to offer. He said a few things that really helped me, especially in the spell right in front of Tea,” Sundar said about the veteran off-spinner.