India's cricket team is reeling from yet another blow as star all-rounder Washington Sundar injury strikes during the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. Just 45 minutes ago, BCCI confirmed Sundar is ruled out for the rest of the series after a side strain in the first ODI at Kotambi Stadium, Baroda, on January 11. This marks the third Indian player sidelined in a week, piling pressure on the squad amid a hard-fought 1-0 lead.
The 26-year-old bowled five overs for 27 runs before walking off midway through New Zealand's innings. Despite visible discomfort, he batted at No. 8, scoring 7 off 7 balls to help KL Rahul seal a thrilling four-wicket chase of 300+. "Washington has been ruled out due to discomfort in his left lower rib area," a BCCI official told PTI. Dhruv Jurel stepped in as substitute fielder, but the damage was done.
Third Injury in Seven Days Hits India Hard
Washington Sundar injury follows a nightmare week for Team India. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was sidelined before the opener with a side strain from training, replaced by Jurel. Youngster Tilak Varma underwent surgery for testicular torsion, missing the first three T20Is against New Zealand.
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Rishabh Pant injury: Side strain last week, out of ODIs.
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Tilak Varma: Surgery sidelines him for T20Is.
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Washington Sundar: Latest side strain, scans pending.
Captain Shubman Gill confirmed post-match: "Sundar has a side strain and will go for scans." KL Rahul added, "I knew he had discomfort but not the extent. He rotated strike well under pressure."
Victory Overshadowed in India vs New Zealand ODI
India clinched the first ODI despite Kyle Jamieson's 4/51, with Virat Kohli's near-century and Rahul's finishing heroics shining. BCCI honored Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Baroda, but Washington Sundar injury dims the joy. The chase marked India's 20th 300+ ODI pursuit win.
This string of setbacks echoes fitness woes that plagued recent campaigns. Two side strains in quick succession raise red flags on workload and preparation.
T20 World Cup 2026 Looms Large
Sundar, a key T20 World Cup 2026 squad member, now faces fitness doubts ahead of the February ICC event. With Champions Trophy and IPL on horizon, BCCI must prioritize recovery protocols.
Expert Take: Former selector Kris Srikkanth warns, "Recurring side strains signal bowling workload issues. India needs depth—think Axar Patel or Shivam Dube as backups." Team management eyes scans for timelines, but fans worry about depth.
Practical Takeaways for Fans and Aspirants:
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Monitor BCCI updates for replacements.
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Side strains often need 4-6 weeks; Sundar could miss IPL auctions.
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Builds case for uncapped talents like Nitish Reddy.
India's resilience shone in Baroda, but Washington Sundar injury tests depth. Can they sweep the series? Stay tuned as scans reveal more. This matters now—white-ball prep for global glory hangs in balance.
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