Washington Sundar Ruled Out of Remainder of ODI Series Against New Zealand: Sources

India, Jan 12 : India’s off spin all rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand after sustaining a side strain during the opening ODI in Vadodara on Sunday, sources said on Monday.

According to sources, Sundar picked up the injury after taking a blow on his left rib in the first match of the series. The development has also cast serious doubt over his availability for the five match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on January 21 in Nagpur.

“Sundar has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs after being diagnosed with a side strain. Recovery from this kind of injury takes time, and it is uncertain whether he will be fit in time for the T20I series,” a source aware of the matter told IANS.

India captain Shubman Gill had earlier confirmed that Sundar was taken for scans following the match. “He will be going for a scan, so we’ll know more once that’s done,” Gill said during the post-match presentation.

Fast bowler Harshit Rana also provided an update at the post-match press conference, stating that Sundar was in visible discomfort while batting. “Washington Sundar has a side strain. He was in pain while batting. The medical team will assess him and update,” Rana said.

While the BCCI is yet to issue an official statement, Sundar’s injury comes as a significant setback for India, particularly with the home T20 World Cup approaching. The all rounder is currently part of India’s World Cup plans, but his participation now hinges on recovery progress.

This marks the third injury concern for India in the ongoing white-ball series against New Zealand. Earlier, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the ODI series due to a side strain and replaced by Dhruv Jurel, while Tilak Varma underwent surgery for a groin injury and has been sidelined for the first three T20Is.