Washington Sundar Excluded from T20I Series Against New Zealand

Washington Sundar's Injury Forces Him Out of T20I Series

New Delhi, January 15: Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar will not participate in the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which is set to take place from January 21 to 31. This series is crucial for India's preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup starting on February 7, according to reports from a sports news outlet.

Sundar is currently recuperating from a side strain he incurred during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara last week. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) previously characterized the injury as an acute discomfort in his left lower rib. At this point, it remains uncertain if this injury will impact his participation in the T20 World Cup, where India will face the USA in their opening match in Mumbai on February 7.

In Sundar's absence, Delhi's Ayush Badoni has been named as his replacement for the ODI series. However, it is still unclear whether Badoni will also be included in the T20I squad.

Despite Sundar's absence, India is not overly concerned, as several prominent all-rounders are expected to join the team next week. Hardik Pandya is in excellent form, and Axar Patel, who serves as vice-captain for both the T20 World Cup and the New Zealand series, along with Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube, will be available for selection.

Additionally, Tilak Varma will be sidelined for the first three T20Is following surgery for a groin injury.

India's squad for the T20I series against New Zealand includes: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma (unavailable for the first three matches), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, and Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper).