Just a day after young and dynamic Washington Sundar scored a stellar ton in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25, he was added to the India squad for the remainder of the New Zealand Test series.

Washington Sundar scored a deft 150 against Delhi in a Ranji Trophy game, where he also took six wickets in total and now India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has revealed the reason for his inclusion.

The decision to add the 25-year-old came as a bit of a surprise given that India already had all-rounders in their ranks like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin with Axar Patel in the pipeline.

However, the former Dutch cricketer said that the decision was taken keeping in mind the rival’s strengths.

ALSO READ: Injured Indian stars cleared to play in New Zealand 2nd Test

Ryan ten Doeschate revealed the reason behind Washington Sundar’s addition

Clarifying the decision, ten Doeschate said in a press conference ahead of the IND vs NZ second Test:

“Look, we obviously have Axar in the team too. They are loaded with four lefties in their 11. We want to have the option to take the ball away from lefties as well. You know, we’ve had Washi on the white-ball team for a while and we like the way he operates. “It is also good to see that the boys are also being rewarded for their performances in the Ranji Trophy.”

India currently trails the three-match Test series 1-0 after losing the first match in Bengaluru. However, in a much-needed boost for the hosts, injured Indian stars Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are likely to get the nod in the deciding clash.

Gill, who missed the first match with a neck problem, and Pant, who took a knock on the knee in the first match, will ideally feature in the upcoming clash in Pune, Ryan ten Doeschate told the media.

For more updates, follow Cricxtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram and YouTube.