WATCH: Washington Sundar castles Rachin Ravindra with a peach

Washington Sundar, who made his return to the Test squad after 2021, gave India a massive breakthrough on Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. Batting at number four, Rachin Ravindra once again looked dangerous and the hosts desperately needed his wicket, as he could have taken the game away like he did in Bengaluru.

Rachin had got his eyes in and was batting at 65, having built partnership with Devon Conway, who made 76 runs, and then Daryl Mitchell. India captain Rohit Sharma brought back Sundar for a spell just before the end of the second session and that worked perfectly for the team.

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Sundar bowled well in the morning session as well but could not pick up a wicket. In the 60th over of the game, the 25-year-old bowled a peach of a delivery as Ravindra’s off-stump was shattered. He failed to read the line and turn and Sundar took the benefit of it. Murali Karthik, who was in the commentary box, was elated with the wicket and lauded the spinner for bowling a "magical delivery".

T. I. M. B. E. R! 🎯

Cracker of a ball! 👌 👌

Washington Sundar with a breakthrough 🙌 🙌

Live ▶️ https://t.co/YVjSnKCtlI #TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @Sundarwashi5 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/OC8VS7fnwT

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 24, 2024

Sundar dismisses Tom Blundell right before Tea

Sundar picked up the wicket of Tom Blundell in the next over itself, right before the tea break. The keeper-batter arrived at the crease after Rachin’s dismissal but could not make a mark, making only three runs before Sundar breached the gap between his bat and pad to hit timber.

Through the defence! 👏 👏

Washington Sundar weaving some magic here in Pune! 🪄

A wicket right at the stroke of the Tea Break! 👍 👍

Live ▶️ https://t.co/YVjSnKCtlI #TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/v6EWuQE26m

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 24, 2024

Soon after the break, Sundar got his third wicket in the form of Daryl Mitchell, who departed for 18 runs. With three quick wickets, the spinner turned the game in India’s favour and justified his selection. New Zealand dominated the morning session but the hosts are slowly coming back into the contest and Sundar is at the forefront of the attack. Meanwhile, Ra Ashwin picked up three wickets earlier in the day.