NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma faced a barrage of criticism after announcing the changes to India’s Playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand on Friday.
The team management opted to rest Kuldeep Yadav and bring in Washington Sundar, who had only been added to the Test squad the previous Sunday following India’s loss in the first match of the series in Bengaluru.
Sundar made a significant impact, taking career-best figures of 7-59 to restrict New Zealand to 259 runs after veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had already claimed 3-64.

Gambhir, who could not contain his excitement, stood up from his seat in the dressing room to applaud the young spinner’s remarkable performance.
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Sundar said it was a special experience to be part of the three-pronged spin attack on the opening day of the second Test.
“We communicated a lot. They also brought a lot of qualities, skills and experience. That really helps for someone who plays with them. It certainly helped me today,” Washington told reporters.
He expressed his delight at being part of a three-pronged spin attack alongside Ashwin and Jadeja, saying, “It’s special, isn’t it, to be in a game where both of them are part of it. I hope we” We will can play many more matches together.”
Washington stressed the importance of his return to the Test squad and his performance in the match.
“From the beginning, when I played this match and returned to the Test squad, there are many things that I can say mean a lot to me and are very special,” he added. ‘I’m grateful. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this day.’