NewKerala.com

Washington Sundar Ruled Out of NZ Series, Credits KL Rahul's Match-Winning Knock

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain sustained during the first match. His injury follows a similar issue for Rishabh Pant, who was replaced by Dhruv Jurel. Despite the injury, Sundar batted in the first ODI, playing a supporting role to KL Rahul who hit the winning runs. In a BCCI video, Sundar credited his younger self and praised Rahul's beautiful batting in the tense chase.

Key Points: Washington Sundar Injured, Out of India vs New Zealand ODI Series

  • Sundar ruled out with side strain
  • Injury blow after Rishabh Pant's exit
  • Played through injury in 1st ODI win
  • Praised KL Rahul's match-winning knock
  • Role was to manage strike for Rahul
2 min read

Washington Sundar ruled out from India vs New Zealand ODI series due to injury

India all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out with injury. He discusses the first ODI win and KL Rahul's crucial batting performance.

"I owe this to little Washi, who has watched so many games... told himself that you do anything to win the game for your team. - Washington Sundar"

New Delhi, January 12

India's bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the ongoing India vs New Zealand ODI series due to an injury, as per sources.

Washington Sundar played the first ODI of the three-match series on Sunday. He only bowled five overs, giving away 25 runs, with no wickets taken in the first innings of the match. The 26-year-old walked off midway through the New Zealand innings and did not return to the field. However, he later came out to bat at No. 8 and scored seven runs in the Men in Blue's four-wicket win against New Zealand.

Following the match, India captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Washington Sundar suffered a side strain and will go for scans.

Notably, Sundar's injury comes as another blow for Team India after Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the series with a side strain suffered during training. Pant was replaced by Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI for the first ODI.

In a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday, Washington Sundar said he enjoyed the win and credited his younger self for dreaming of winning games for the team. He praised KL Rahul's batting and explained that his own role was to manage the late overs carefully and ensure Rahul was on strike for the final deliveries.

Notably, with 10 needed in 10 balls, Washington Sundar gave the strike to Rahul on the third ball of the penultimate over, and Rahul hit two back-to-back boundaries and then followed up with a six to get the Men in Blue over the line.

"It was fun. I owe this to little Washi, who has watched so many games like these on TV and told himself that you do anything to win the game for your team.KL batted beautifully, and knowing he was there, I knew I didn't have to take too much risk, I just had to play the 48th and 49th over and make sure it's him who is batting for the last 10 balls in the game," Sundar said.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
His comment about "little Washi" is so wholesome. You can see the passion. Injuries are part of the game, but it's sad when they hit players in good form. Hope he's back soon.
A
Aditya G
With Pant also out, our all-rounder depth is being tested. Time for someone like Axar or maybe even Shahbaz Ahmed to step up. BCCI needs to look at the workload management seriously.
P
Priya S
He played a very smart, selfless innings. Gave the strike to the set batter. That's team spirit! Get well soon, Sundar. Your contribution mattered even if the scorecard doesn't show it.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while I feel for the player, the frequency of these soft tissue injuries is concerning. Is the conditioning and physio team doing enough? Or is the schedule just too packed? Something needs to give.
K
Kavya N
Side strain after just 5 overs? That's worrying. He's such a valuable player in white-ball cricket. Hope the scans are clear and he recovers in time for the IPL at least. 🤞

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50