Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi added to squad, Washington Sundar ruled out ahead of T20I series against New Zealand
Mumbai, January 16
Indian All-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting on January 21. The development was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Friday.
Earlier, Washington Sundar underwent scans after reporting an acute onset of discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on 11 January. This was followed by an in-person consultation with an expert. He has been diagnosed with a side strain and advised rest for a few days, after which he will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) for further management of his injury.
The Men's Selection Committee of BCCI has named star leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi as Washington Sundar's replacement for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
Additionally, the Men's Selection Committee has added ace batter Shreyas Iyer to the T20I squad for the first three matches as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma.
Earlier, Varma underwent surgery for an abdominal issue in Rajkot. Varma was discharged from the hospital on Thursday morning and is scheduled to fly back to Hyderabad. He is currently stable and progressing well. Varma will resume physical training and gradually return to skill-based activities once his symptoms have fully resolved and his wound has healed satisfactorily.
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravi Bishnoi.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Injuries are really piling up before a big series. First Tilak Varma, now Sundar. Wishing both a speedy recovery. The squad still looks strong on paper. Let's hope the bench strength steps up!
Shreyas Iyer's inclusion is a smart move. We need that experience in the middle order, especially with SKY as captain. But honestly, the management needs to look at player workload. Too many injuries these days.
As a cricket fan living abroad, it's always exciting to see new talent get a chance. Bishnoi is so fun to watch. Hope he gets a game. Best wishes to Sundar for a full recovery.
Side strain is a tricky injury for a bowler. Better to rest him now than risk a long-term issue. Good to see the BCCI's Centre of Excellence involved. Our sports science has improved a lot. #TeamIndia
The squad looks balanced. But I have one respectful criticism: why only 3 matches for Shreyas? If he's fit and in form, he should be there for the full series to build consistency. The constant chopping and changing isn't great for player confidence.
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