"The ball became very soft" - Washington Sundar opens up on R Ashwin's crucial advice on Day 1 of IND vs NZ 2024 2nd Test
Indian off-spinner Washington Sundar acknowledged senior teammate Ravichandran Ashwin’s guidance after claiming a career-best 7-59 on Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune on Thursday, October 24. Sundar revealed that as the ball became soft, Ashwin advised him to put more speed and body into his deliveries.
Brought into the playing XI in place of Kuldeep Yadav, Sundar justified his selection with a brilliant spell. Ashwin also claimed 3-64 in 24 overs as India bowled out New Zealand for 259 after losing the toss and fielding first.
Speaking at a press conference after the end of the opening day's play in Pune, Sundar praised Ashwin for guiding him on his Test comeback. Acknowledging the veteran spinner's contribution, he said (as quoted by PTI):
“The ball became very soft. So, we had to sort of give more speed and more body into the ball, that was something me and Ash (Ashwin) kept talking about. Ashwin said he did that himself in the spell after lunch, that's how he got (Devon) Conway out. We spoke about it and (I’m) glad I was able to do it."
The 25-year-old also described Ashwin as someone who is ready to help anyone who comes to him for advice.
“It's quite rare but he is very kind, especially in that perspective. Not just me, but no matter who goes and asks him for ideas about bowling or any technicalities, he's always there to help everyone."
After India were asked to bowl first, Ashwin picked up the first three wickets to fall in New Zealand's first innings. Sundar then ran through the middle and lower order to give India the upper hand on Day 1 in Pune.
"I hope we will get to play a lot more games together" - Sundar on playing with Ashwin and Jadeja
Sundar made his Test debut against Australia in the famous Brisbane Test in January 2021, making crucial contributions with both bat and ball. However, the ongoing Test against New Zealand is only his fifth in the red-ball format for India. With Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja being the first-choice spinners, the Tamil Nadu cricketer hasn't gotten a lot of opportunities in recent seasons.
The all-rounder, however, described the feeling of playing in the same XI as Ashwin and Jadeja as a special one.
"We communicated a lot and they brought in a lot of qualities, skill sets and experience. That really helps for someone who is playing along with them. It definitely helped me today and it is special to be playing in the game in which both of them are part of as well. I hope we will get to play a lot more games together," Sundar commented.
At stumps on Day 1 in Pune, India were 16-1, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill at the crease. Earlier, skipper Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck.