After Washington Sundar's impressive display on Day 1 of the Pune Test against New Zealand, his sister M S Shailaja praised his bowling following his return to Test cricket after a 3.5-year hiatus.
Sundar was outstanding, leading the Indian bowling attack with seven wickets in 24 overs, maintaining an economy rate of 2.50.
"It was lovely to watch him play the way he played today and it was indeed a very proud moment for us as a family. To watch him the way he played and took the wickets was phenomenal. He is been doing a great job and we are very happy and proud of him for the way he made his comeback in Tests after 3.5 years. What he did today was top-class," Shailaja said while speaking to ANI.
Further, she opened up about the support she got from Sundar during her cricketing journey so far.
"We both have been playing cricket since childhood. I know the way how he has grown up. During childhood, we have discussed cricket a lot on and off the field as well as at home. He has been supporting me and has been there for me every time when I needed him during my cricketing career so far. He helped me a lot in terms of cricket as well as in the mental aspects of the game especially when things are not going in my way. He's always been supportive throughout my journey," Shailaja added.
On Day 1 of the Pune Test, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first against India. They were all out for 259 in their first innings, largely thanks to Washington Sundar's impressive seven-wicket haul.
Devon Conway was the standout performer for the Kiwis, scoring 76 runs off 141 balls, while Rachin Ravindra contributed 65 runs from 105 balls. Together, they helped New Zealand reach 259.
Sundar's wickets included key players like Ravindra, who had been instrumental in New Zealand's previous victory, along with Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, and Ajaz Patel.
Sundar made his return to the Test squad after a stellar performance in the Ranji match against Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Apart from Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin bagged three wickets and bundled out New Zealand on day one itself.
India had a bad start to their first inning as Rohit Sharma was dismissed in the third over. Tim Southee bowled out the India skipper's wicket.
At Stumps on Day 1, India are 16/1 with Shubman Gill (10*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (6*) unbeaten on the crease. After Day 1, India trailed by 243 runs.
