In the cricketing arena, where every match can write a new chapter in history, the 3rd Test at Wankhede Stadium between India and New Zealand was more than just a game; it was a narrative of resilience, strategy, and unexpected turns. India, having faced the ignominy of a series defeat at home after 4331 days, found a beacon of hope in the form of Washington Sundar, whose performance was nothing short of a masterclass.
The backdrop was set with New Zealand already clinching the series 2-0, a feat that had ended India’s streak of being unbeatable on home soil. The pressure was palpable, not just for redemption but for maintaining their top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC). India needed to win four out of their next five Tests to secure a spot in the WTC final, making every delivery in this match critical.
WASHINGTON SUNDAR WITH TWO ABSOLUTE JAFFAS..!!!
– First Latham, now Rachin. 🤯👌pic.twitter.com/JBz5P04YwP
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 1, 2024
Washington Sundar, who had already made his mark in the previous Test with an impressive 7-wicket haul in an innings, stepped onto the Wankhede pitch with a mission. His inclusion in the second Test had been a strategic move, and his performance had justified every bit of faith placed in him. However, the 3rd Test was where he truly shone, not just as a bowler but as a pivotal figure in India’s fightback.
The moment that encapsulated Sundar’s brilliance was when he dismissed Tom Latham with a delivery that can only be described as a ‘jaffa’. The ball pitched on a length, angled in, and then straightened just enough to rattle Latham’s off stump. It was not just a wicket; it was a statement of intent. Following this, Sundar’s next victim was Rachin Ravindra, another off-stump dismissal, showcasing his ability to extract turn and bounce from a pitch that was expected to favor spinners but had initially seemed flat.
These quick wickets were more than just dismissals; they were a psychological blow to New Zealand, who had dominated the series thus far. Sundar’s spell was a reminder of India’s depth in spin bowling, a department where they have historically excelled. His performance was not just about the wickets but the manner in which they were taken, with precision, variation, and an understanding of the pitch’s nuances.
For India, this was more than just a game; it was about salvaging pride, maintaining their WTC ranking, and showing the world that despite the series loss, they were far from defeated. Sundar’s role was crucial in this narrative. His bowling was complemented by his batting, where he has shown promise, making him a genuine all-rounder, a rare commodity in modern cricket.
The Wankhede Test, while not altering the series’ outcome, provided India with insights into their strengths. Sundar’s performance was a beacon of what could be, a glimpse into the future where India’s spin bowling could once again be the backbone of their Test cricket strategy. It highlighted the importance of grooming all-rounders who can contribute significantly with both bat and ball, especially in conditions that favor spin.
As the match concluded, with India still in the fight for the WTC, Sundar’s contribution was a silver lining in an otherwise cloudy series for them. His quick wickets, his jaffas, were not just moments of brilliance; they were reminders of India’s cricketing heritage, where spinners have often been the architects of victory.
In the end, while New Zealand celebrated their historic series win, Washington Sundar’s performance at Wankhede was a testament to India’s spirit, resilience, and the unyielding quest for excellence. It was a performance that promised more, a hint of what India could achieve if they harnessed their resources effectively. As cricket fans, we look forward to seeing more of Washington Sundar, not just as a spinner but as a pivotal figure in India’s cricketing future.
