Washington Sundar to miss the T20I series against New Zealand with a side strain

The Indian team suffered a massive blow on Wednesday, January 14, as the Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar is all set to miss the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on Wednesday, January 21, in Nagpur.

Notably, the five-match T20I series against New Zealand would be India’s last ride ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, in India and Sri Lanka. For the unversed, Sundar has already been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain. 

“Washington Sundar reported an acute onset discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on Sunday,” a BCCI statement said.

Indian pacer Harshit Rana was asked about Washington's injury after the game, and he stated, “Washington Sundar has a side strain. He was in pain while batting. Our medical team will assess and will update.”

Unfortunately, Sundar suffered a side strain during the first ODI against New Zealand, and later the scans revealed that he would require at least a few weeks' rest. The BCCI medical team has advised the all-rounder to rest for two weeks, and he will head to the BCCI’s CoE to start his recovery process. He is expected to be available for the mega event.

The all-rounder bowled only five overs in the first ODI and left the field after complaining of pain in his side. Nevertheless, he came out to bat after India suffered a sudden middle-order collapse. 

India’s squad for T20I series against New Zealand: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (WK).

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