WATCH: Washington Sundar's Fiery Delivery Dismisses Rachin Ravindra

Fans and commentators have been discussing the changes ever since India revealed their playing XI for the second Test match against New Zealand, which is now taking place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. Instead of KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav, Rohit Sharma and his team decided to select Shubman Gill, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar. Many questioned whether selecting Washington was the best choice, but the off-spinner disproved his doubters by perhaps producing the game's most important ball to defeat Rachin Ravindra.

On Day 1 of the second Test match against New Zealand in Pune, Washington Sundar, who rejoined the Test team after 2021, gave India a significant lead. Rachin Ravindra, who batted at number four, looked threatening once more and the hosts were in dire need of his wicket since he had the ability to end the match, just as he had in Bengaluru.

Rachin Ravindra left baffled:

Rachin was batting at 65 and had his sights set on the ball after forming a partnership with Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway, who each scored 76 runs. Just before the second session ended, India skipper Rohit Sharma brought back Sundar for a little stint, which was ideal for the team.

Even though Sundar bowled well in the first session, he was unable to claim a wicket. The 25-year-old produced a peach of a delivery in the 60th over of the match, shattering Ravindra's off-stump. Sundar benefited from his inability to read the line and turn. The spinner's "magical delivery" was praised by commentary box commentator Murali Karthik, who was thrilled with the wicket.

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

Then there was a sharp shift in the delivery. Ravindra, who is left-handed, attempted to advance but was unable to cover it on the front foot. His 65-run knock came to an end when he was squared up and the ball clipped the off stump. Washington jumped in the air in joy, clearly elated. In addition to Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell was also fired by Washington Sundar. The Kiwi wicketkeeper-batter was sent through the gate by the off-spinner.

Daryl Mitchell, who left for 18 runs, was Sundar's third wicket just after the interval. The spinner justified his selection by turning the tide of the match in India's favour with three early wickets. The morning period was dominated by New Zealand, but the hosts are gradually regaining ground in the match, with Sundar leading the charge. Ra Ashwin, meanwhile, took three wickets in the morning.

Watch this space for more cricket news.