Team India all-rounder Washington Sundar is set to miss the rest of the ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain injury sustained during the first innings of the opening match in Vadodara. The injury occurred as he attempted to stop the ball while bowling, leading him to leave the field after experiencing discomfort.
Washington Sundar did not return to play, with Nitish Kumar Reddy taking his place on the field. It has been reported that he will also be unable to bat in the remaining matches. With the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup in mind, it is unlikely that he will be risked for the upcoming ODIs as well.
In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, Team India is facing a minor injury crisis, as batter Tilak Varma is currently recovering from surgery, ruling him out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand.
The extent of Sundar’s injury will determine his availability for the T20Is against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup. The all-rounder has a history of injuries, having recently recovered from a finger injury before the first Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad.
With Sundar unavailable, Team India will need to reorganize their batting order. The No. 5 spot, usually occupied by a left-handed batter to balance the right-handed heavy lineup, was filled by Sundar in the recent South Africa series. Options to replace him include promoting Ravindra Jadeja or using KL Rahul in that position.
As of now, Team India is comfortably chasing the target in the ongoing match against New Zealand, with over 100 runs scored and nine wickets in hand.
The absence of Sundar will require Team India to make adjustments in their lineup, but with the depth of talent available, they are well-equipped to handle the situation. The focus now shifts to Sundar’s recovery and potential availability for future matches, including the highly anticipated T20 World Cup.
As the team navigates through this injury setback, the importance of depth and versatility in the squad becomes even more evident. Team India will look to adapt and continue their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup, aiming to put together a strong performance in the tournament.
