BCCI’s media release on Sunday gave away no information on the reason behind the selection, nor was any such plan addressed during captain Rohit Sharma’s post-match press conference. However, The Indian Express reported that the selection was down to India’s batting concerns ahead of the second Test amid Shubman Gill’s recovery from a stiff neck, Rishabh Pant’s trouble with his knee and KL Rahul struggling with form.

Another reason why the Sundar move by the selectors was surprising is that India do have a spin-bowling all-rounder in Axar Patel in the current squad, but the report added that it was the Gautam Gambhir-comprising team management that put in the request for his inclusion. They believe that a finger-spin option, who also provides reliability with the bat, could come in handy at Pune.

Washington Sundar set for first Test appearance since 2021

Sundar has been almost a regular member in the India white-ball set-up, but he is all set for his first appearance in Test cricket since 2021, when he made his debut under captain Virat Kohli. Overall, he made just four appearances in the format, picking six wickets and scoring 265 runs with three fifties.

The move further highlighted Gambhir’s obsession with having both batting and bowling depth in the squad, irrespective of the format. And with the all-important Australia tour coming up, where India will play five Tests, he wants to have all his all-rounders fit and match-ready