Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar showered praise on Washington Sundar after his career-best bowling figures of 7/59 helped India dominate New Zealand in the second Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. Sundar's standout performance put to rest all the doubts surrounding his selection over Kuldeep Yadav, including Gavaskar’s initial criticism.

After India's unexpected loss in the opening Test in Bengaluru, the team made three key changes to their Playing XI for the second Test. Shubman Gill, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar replaced KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav. However, Sundar's inclusion raised eyebrows, with many, including Gavaskar, questioning the decision to leave out Kuldeep, who had been in excellent form earlier in the year in England test series.

Before the match, Gavaskar had openly expressed his reservations about Sundar’s selection, commenting, "The selection of Washington Sundar tells me that the Indian team was worried about their batting. He is in not just because of his off-spin but because he can get more runs at the lower order."

However, Sundar silenced his critics with a sensational bowling display that saw him dismantle the New Zealand batting lineup. His figures of 7/59 in New Zealand's first innings were not only a career-best but also played a pivotal role in restricting the visitors to 259 including the wicket of Rachin Ravindra.

Gavaskar, who had initially questioned the selection, later called it an "inspired move," praising Sundar's ability to rise to the occasion. "Washington Sundar's inclusion in the second Test was an inspired selection. He has shown why he is such a valuable asset to the Indian team," Gavaskar admitted after Sundar's performance.