Washington Sundar ruled out of remainder of ODI series vs NZ: Sources
New Delhi, Jan 12
India's off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the team's last two matches in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand after suffering a side strain during the series opener in Vadodara on Sunday, a source toldon Monday.
The source also said that it is doubtful if Sundar will be available for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which will start on January 21 in Nagpur.
"Sundar has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against New Zealand after being diagnosed with a side strain picked up after taking a blow on the left rib in the first game in Vadodara. It remains to be seen if he will be available for T20Is against New Zealand, as recovery from side strain takes time," a source aware of the development told IANS on Monday.
Skipper Shubman Gill had also addressed the presenter's query about Sundar after the match and said that the all-rounder had been taken for scans after the match. "He (Washington) will be going for a scan, so we'll know more once that's done," the Indian Test and ODI skipper had mentioned during the presentation ceremony.
Harshit Rana, too, was asked about an update around Sundar at the post-match press conference, where he told reporters, "Washington Sundar has a side strain. He was in pain while batting. The medical team will assess and will update."
While the BCCI is yet to confirm the update, this is a significant setback for the hosts, especially with the home T20 World Cup upcoming.
Currently, the all-rounder is also part of India's World Cup squad, but it remains uncertain whether the dependable yet injury-prone Sundar will recover in time for T20I series.
This is the third injury blow for the Men in Blue in this white-ball series against New Zealand after Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma. While the keeper-batter was ruled out of the ODI series after suffering a side strain last week, with Dhruv Jurel replacing him in the squad, Varma underwent surgery for a groin injury and was ruled out of the first three T20Is of the five-game series.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The injury list is getting longer - Pant, Varma, and now Sundar. The BCCI really needs to look at the workload and fitness protocols. We can't afford to lose key players so close to a home World Cup.
Side strains are tricky. Better to rest him fully and not rush. We have depth in spin all-rounders like Axar and Jadeja. Let the young man heal properly. Health comes first, matches will always be there.
Honestly, while I feel bad for him, this might be a chance to test someone like Shahbaz Ahmed or even bring back Krunal Pandya for the T20s. We need to build a bench. Get well soon, Washington! 🙏
Yaar, he was batting so well in the first ODI! Played a crucial cameo. His injury-prone nature is becoming a concern. Such a talented player but needs to work on his physical resilience.
From a neutral cricket fan's perspective, this is disappointing. Sundar adds a fascinating dimension to the Indian side. Hope the medical team gives a clear update soon instead of these "source" reports.
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