“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 all-rounder Washington Sundar credited Ravichandran Ashwin for his invaluable advice on the opening day of the second Test match against New Zealand at Pune on Thursday. Sundar said Ashwin noted that the ball had become soft and it made sense to ball a bit quicker and get the body behind the ball to reap the rewards.

Ashwin picked the first three wickets, removing Tom Latham, Will Young and Devon Conway. New Zealand was going strongly at 197-3 but Washington Sundar was able to turn a corner.

The off-spinner got rid of a well-settled Rachin Ravindra with a jaffa and also dismissed Tom Blundell before tea, finding the gulf between bat and pad. After the break, Sundar was able to run a riot and completed his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The Tamil Nadu spinner bagged his best bowling Test figures of 7-59 to help India skittle out the Kiwis at 259.

Speaking at the press conference, Sundar said, “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 youngster revealed Ashwin is always ready to help his teammates in any form regarding bowling tips.

“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.”

Sundar, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI, is hopeful of playing more games with veteran spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

“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.

India ended the opening day’s play at 16-1 after Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a blob.