After losing to New Zealand in the first Test match in Bengaluru, the Indian cricket team’s management decided to include all-rounder Washington Sundar in the squad for the final two games.
The Indian cricket team management added all-rounder Washington Sundar into the squad for the remaining two matches following the loss against New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru. It was a sudden decision made by head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management, with many fans and experts wondering if it was done out of ‘desperation’ after the loss. India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate denied any such reports and said that the decision was taken to add a bowling option to the side to take the ball away from the New Zealand left-handers.
“Definitely not. They (New Zealand) are filled with four left-handers in the XI. We’ve had Washy around the white-ball squad for a while, and we like how he operates. It’s also nice to see that guys are getting rewarded for their performance in the Ranji Trophy. We just want to ensure we’re prepared for the conditions here. If that does mean taking the ball away from the left-hander, we want that option,” he told the media at the MCA Stadium ahead of India’s training session.
Ten Doeschate also said that fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is currently going through a bit of a “wicket drought” but added that there is nothing to suggest that he is struggling with his rhythm,
Siraj’s bowling in the second innings was superb. “That last morning’s hour of Test match cricket was really good,” he remarked.
Perhaps it wasn’t a nicking wicket, which is clearly one of his strongest suits, especially when he moves the ball across to left-handers. Nothing like “he’s not bowling well” or “his rhythm is not good” comes to mind. Perhaps he is simply experiencing a mild case of wicket drought. But again, no worries. According to the coach, India must adjust their game to the circumstances rather than specifically oppose quick bowling.
