Revelation by Washington Sundar: Rohit Sharma and Gambhir predicted his selection for 2nd Test just 2 days before, despite not being in the squad

After reflecting on his performance, Sundar couldn't help but express his overwhelming joy and gratitude. He described his day as nothing short of a dream come true, saying, "What happened today is truly a dream come true. To be living this dream is an unbelievable feeling." Clearly grateful for the opportunity given to him by his team management, he continued, "I had manifested this moment to happen in this specific series for weeks... It's an incredible opportunity considering I wasn't even part of the squad at the beginning of the series."

After New Zealand began strongly with Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65) putting the visitors in control at 197-3, Sundar's heroics changed the game. His spell just before tea, where he dismissed Ravindra and Tom Blundell in quick succession, was the turning point that swung the momentum back in India’s favour.

Sundar's devastating delivery shattered Ravindra’s stumps, and Blundell followed shortly after, as India regained control. Returning after the tea break, Sundar continued his onslaught, dismissing Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee, and Ajaz Patel in quick succession.

The all-rounder revealed that he was told he would play the Pune Test two days before the game. Sundar stated that he was “grateful” for the captain and the coach, as he wasn't originally part of the squad.

“I knew I was going to be playing 2 days back. It was a great opportunity, especially because I wasn't part of the squad in the series in the first Test. To be getting the opportunity after the first Test after the call-up… I'm really grateful,” Sundar told JioCinema.

Sundar’s brilliance was backed up by spin partner Ravichandran Ashwin, who claimed 3-64, including the prized scalp of Conway. Ashwin also made history by surpassing Nathan Lyon to claim the seventh spot on the all-time wicket-takers list with his 531st dismissal.

“It's amazing. We (Sundar and Ashwin) had a lot of communication going together. We were curious to see what wicket had to offer. He said a couple of things which were really helpful to me, especially in the spell right before Tea,” Sundar said about the veteran off-spinner.