India's dominant display on Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune was spearheaded by Washington Sundar, whose remarkable comeback into Test cricket after three years proved to be a masterstroke. His outstanding bowling figures of 7 for 59 not only marked his personal best in a first-class match but also helped India seize control of the match early. Partnered with Ravichandran Ashwin, who picked up 3 crucial wickets, the spin duo completely dismantled New Zealand, who were bowled out for 259 in just 79.1 overs.
New Zealand started the day on a strong note, with opener Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra showing resilience. Conway played a well-composed knock of 76, while Ravindra’s gritty 65 gave the Kiwis a solid platform at 197 for 3. Their patient approach initially frustrated India, especially as Conway and Ravindra tackled the spinners with relative ease during the first two sessions. However, Washington Sundar’s breakthrough, when he dismissed Ravindra, shifted the momentum entirely in India's favor. What followed was a dramatic collapse of the New Zealand batting lineup as they lost 7 wickets for just 62 runs.
The Pune pitch, although spin-friendly, wasn’t an outright turner, yet Sundar's mastery of spin allowed him to trouble both left-handers and right-handers alike. He bowled with great precision, using subtle variations in pace and wrist positions to deceive the batters. His ability to get deliveries to hold their line and sharply turn others kept the New Zealand batsmen guessing. Notably, five of his seven wickets came from deliveries that shattered the stumps, as Sundar repeatedly rattled the woodwork of New Zealand's lower order.
Ashwin, who had been relatively quiet in the first Test, found his rhythm in Pune, dismissing key players such as New Zealand captain Tom Latham early on. His consistent pressure on the New Zealand batsmen allowed Sundar to bowl with greater freedom at the other end. Ashwin’s dismissal of Conway, who was looking to convert his 76 into a bigger score, was a crucial moment in the match. His accurate, disciplined bowling provided the perfect foil to Sundar’s more aggressive approach.
India’s decision to field a spin-heavy attack, including the unexpected inclusion of Washington Sundar at the expense of more experienced spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, had been met with skepticism before the match. Sundar had not featured in the first Test and had only been called into the squad as an additional spin option after India’s heavy defeat in Bengaluru. However, Sundar’s performance on Day 1 silenced all doubts. His bowling not only vindicated the selection but also underscored the value of fresh perspectives in the team lineup.
India’s quick breakthroughs after the tea break completely dismantled New Zealand’s middle and lower order. The spin duo of Sundar and Ashwin worked in tandem, exploiting the dry surface to extract just enough turn and bounce to make life difficult for the visitors. New Zealand’s last recognized pair of Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra tried to mount some resistance, putting on a 59-run partnership, but once Sundar removed Ravindra, the floodgates opened. Sundar quickly picked up wickets, including key dismissals of Tom Blundell and the dangerous Mitchell Santner, to wrap up the innings in under 80 overs.
However, India’s day was slightly marred by the early dismissal of their captain, Rohit Sharma, for a duck. New Zealand’s spinners, eager to take advantage of the turning track, put India under pressure immediately after the changeover. Rohit’s early dismissal, trapped lbw by New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel, meant India had to navigate a tricky 11-over period before the close of play. Openers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal managed to hold fort, taking India to Stumps at 16 for 1, but their task will be to build a strong foundation on Day 2.
India will be eager to make the most of their advantageous position. With the pitch expected to offer more assistance to the spinners as the match progresses, India’s batting lineup will aim to post a substantial first-innings total. A significant lead would allow India’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, to apply even more pressure on New Zealand in their second innings. The match is poised in India’s favor, and they will want to capitalize fully on their strong start.
The contrast between India’s performance in the first Test in Bengaluru and their show of dominance on Day 1 in Pune is stark. After being outplayed in Bengaluru, India’s bowling unit has responded with a clinical display, led by the brilliance of Washington Sundar and the experience of Ravichandran Ashwin. New Zealand will need to dig deep to find a way back into the match, but as things stand, India is firmly in the driver’s seat.
