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Washington Sundar Ruled Out of NZ T20Is, World Cup Spot in Doubt

India all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand as he recovers from a side strain sustained in the first ODI. His availability for the T20 World Cup, starting February 7, remains uncertain. Delhi's Ayush Badoni has replaced him for the ODI leg, while the squad has ample all-rounder cover with Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel available. In further injury news, Tilak Varma will miss the first three T20Is following groin surgery.

Key Points: Washington Sundar Injured, Out of NZ T20Is

  • Sundar out with side strain
  • Ayush Badoni named ODI replacement
  • Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel bolster squad
  • Tilak Varma to miss first three T20Is
2 min read

Washington Sundar sidelined from New Zealand T20Is due to injury; T20 World Cup availability unclear

India all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out of New Zealand T20I series with side strain, casting doubt on his T20 World Cup availability.

"there is no clarity on whether the injury could affect his availability for the T20 World Cup - ESPNcricinfo"

New Delhi, January 15

India all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The series, scheduled to be played from January 21 to 31, is an important part of India's preparations for the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7, as per ESPNcricinfo.

It is learnt that Washington is still recovering from a side strain he sustained during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara last week. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier described the injury as an acute onset of discomfort in his left lower rib. As of now, there is no clarity on whether the injury could affect his availability for the T20 World Cup. India is set to play their opening match of the tournament against the USA in Mumbai on February 7.

Delhi batting all-rounder Ayush Badoni has been named as Washington's replacement for the ODI series. However, the selectors are yet to confirm whether Badoni will be added to the T20I squad as well.

India is not expected to be too worried about Washington's absence in the New Zealand T20Is, with several key all-rounders set to join the squad next week. Hardik Pandya is in red-hot form. Axar Patel, who is also the vice-captain for both the T20 World Cup and the New Zealand T20I series, along with Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube, will be available.

In another setback, Tilak Varma will miss the first three T20Is after undergoing surgery for a groin injury.

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma (unavailable for first three games), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While it's disappointing, the depth in the squad is reassuring. Hardik, Axar, and Dube are all in good form. The NZ series is a chance to test the bench strength before the World Cup.
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Aman W
BCCI needs to be more transparent about injury timelines. "Acute onset of discomfort" is very vague. As fans, we deserve clearer updates, especially with a World Cup around the corner.
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Priyanka N
Feel so bad for him. He was just getting a consistent run in the team. Injuries at the wrong time are a curse for Indian cricketers. Get well soon, Washi! 🇮🇳
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David E
Interesting to see Ayush Badoni get a call-up. He's had a good domestic season. But with Tilak also out for 3 games, the middle order looks a bit thin for the first few T20Is.
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Karthik V
Side strains are tricky. Rushing him back for the World Cup could be risky. Better to let him heal properly, even if it means missing the first match. We have enough cover.

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