Washington Sundar silences critics with incredible delivery to dismiss 'New Zealand's top batsman' Rachin Ravindra

Since India revealed their playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, there has been a lot of discussion among fans and experts about the changes made. Rohit Sharma and his team decided to include Shubman Gill, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar instead of KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav. There has been a particular focus on the decision to bring in Washington, with many questioning its wisdom. However, the off-spinner silenced his critics by delivering what could be considered the best ball of the match so far, dismissing Rachin Ravindra.

Washington Sundar produced an absolute ripper, and only this kind of delivery could have gotten the better of Rachin, who seemed to be doing no wrong until that time.

Bowling around the wicket, Sundar managed to get the ball drift in.

The delivery then turned sharply. The left-handed Ravindra tried to get forward but he was not able to cover it on the front foot. As a result, he got squared up and the ball clipped the off stump, ending his 65-run knock. Washington was visibly elated as he leapt in the air in celebration. Ian Smith who was on commentary at the time, said, "Sundar produces a cracker of ball to dismiss New Zealand's best batter."

BCCI's official handle also shared the video of the dismissal, saying, "TIMBER. Cracker of a ball. Washington Sundar with a breakthrough."

Apart from Rachin Ravindra, Washington Sundar also dismissed Tom Blundell. The off-spinner bowled the Kiwi wicketkeeper-batter through the gate.

After Blundell was dismissed, Ian Smith on air said, "Selectors would be pleased, a lot of people were asking whether it was the right move to bring Sundar in, instead of Kuldeep, it is proving to be the right move."

Earlier, the likes of Anil Kumble and Sunil Gavaskar had questioned the move of bringing in Washington in place of Kuldeep. However, Sanjay Manjrekar had an unpopular opinion as he defended picking Sundar ahead in the lineup.

During the tea session, Anil Kumble said, “There are no demons in the pitch, but it is definitely assisting spinners. The ball has done something, it has turned and bounced, it has kept the batter not comfortable. There is enough for the spinners.”

Speaking of the ongoing Test, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. The Kiwis made one change as they brought in Mitchell Santner in place of an injured Matt Henry.

Earlier, New Zealand had defeated India by eight wickets in the first Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.