Big News: BCCI announces addition of star player to India's squad for 2nd and 3rd Test against New Zealand

BCCI has announced the addition of spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar to their squad for the crucial second and third Test against New Zealand. The second Test between India and New Zealand will start from October 24 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Meanwhile, the third Test will be played at the iconic Wankhede stadium in Mumbai from November 1.

Washington Sundar added to India's squad for 2nd, 3rd Test against New Zealand

However, Sundar's inclusion in India's playing XI will depend on the pitch conditions. India is expected to make changes to their lineup for the second Test after hammering in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand.

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However, the BCCI has not provided specific reasons for including Sundar as an additional all-rounder option, despite the presence of experienced spinners like R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel in the squad. India will now travel to Pune and Mumbai with a 16-member squad for the remaining two Tests of the series.

India's updated squad for 2nd Test and 3rd Test against New Zealand

Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar.

Travelling Reserves: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna

Notably, Sundar wasn't even considered as a reserve player in the initial squad announcement. This late inclusion comes after India's disappointing loss in the first Test, which marked New Zealand's first Test victory in India since 1988.

India missed the impact of a talented player like Washington Sundar, as New Zealand capitalised on strong performances from Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, and William O'Rourke to secure a historic win. Despite impressive contributions from Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99), India's batting collapsed after the introduction of the new ball, limiting them to 462 runs. Despite scoring big India could only hand New Zealand an easy-peasy target of 107 runs, which the visitors comfortably chased down with eight wickets to spare.