Cricinfo: Latest on Washington Sundar's Inclusion in India's Test Squad

Cricinfo: Washington Sundar's Return to Test Cricket

Washington Sundar, who scored a century for Tamil Nadu in their ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Delhi, will join the India squad for the second and third Tests against New Zealand. The BCCI's selectors have added Washington to India's Test squad as its 16th member, without making any other changes.

Upcoming Tests

On Sunday, New Zealand completed an eight-wicket win in the first Test in Bengaluru, their first Test win in India since 1988. The second Test is scheduled to start in Pune on October 24, and the final Test in Mumbai on November 1.

A Long-Term Asset

Washington has been part of India's white-ball squads in recent months, but has not played Test cricket since March 2021. He was, however, part of their squad as a replacement for the injured Ravindra Jadeja during the home Test series against England earlier this year, and is viewed as a long-term prospect as a spin-bowling allrounder.

Impressive Early Career

• Played four Test matches so far, all in the 2020-21 season.
• Scored 265 runs, including three half-centuries, at an average of 66.25.
• Took six wickets with his offspin at 49.83.
• Played a key role in India's famous win at the Gabba in January 2021.

Endorsement from Coaching Staff

At the end of the 2020-21 season, during which he also impressed in the 3-1 home-series win over England, India's then head coach Ravi Shastri told ESPNcricinfo that Washington would be India's future spin-bowling allrounder.