IND vs NZ: "Unreal Feeling" - Washington Sundar Reflects on Seven-For in Test Comeback

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Indian spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar delighted with seven-for on his return to Tests cricket during the second Test against New Zealand at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Stadium (MCA).

There was a lot of chatter about his addition to the squad, and it only got louder when he was included in the playing 11 as India made three changes to their line-up for the Pune Test. But Sundar silenced all the noise with his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests.

Coming into the Indian XI in place of left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Sundar finished with impressive figures of 7 for 59 to help bundle out New Zealand for 259 in the first innings.

His Tamil Nadu senior teammate Ravichandran Ashwin claimed the top three of the Kiwis, while Sundar claimed the remaining seven Blackcaps' wickets, including the in-form Rachin Ravindra as India claimed a slight advantage in Pune.

Speaking to BCCI, Washinton Sundar said he always manifested his Test return, having been playing white-ball cricket for India consistently since the last two months and added that it was an unreal feeling when a wish comes true.

"I believed I would be getting a call, no matter when. Whenever you get a call to join the Test squad, it is going to be special. When you think about something, wish for something and it happens, it is an unreal feeling. I am grateful to be able to experience those feelings and be back to the Test squad. A seven-for, very very special," Sundar said in a video posted by BCCI.

Washington said that his seven-wicket haul on return to Test cricket is one of those things he cannot explain in words and credited his Ranji return for helping him make a return in whites for India.

"I have played the Tamil Nadu-Delhi game. It went very well for me. It was a perfect set-up for me to get to this game. The confidence was high and I had hit my best rhythm with both bat and ball," he added.

While Pune Test is unforgetabble, Washington said that his debut Test at the Gabba in Australia will always be special to him as he thanked the captain and coach for backing him.

"The Gabba Test would forever be special. No two ways about it. My debut game, won it. Will never forget this Pune Test either. I made my IPL debut here. Every game I play in this format is special. So to be back in the playing eleven straight away, I am grateful to the coach and captain for that," he concluded.