Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar will sit out the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled for 21-31 January, as he continues rehab on a side strain picked up during the opening ODI in Vadodara last week. The injury, described by the BCCI medical team as “acute onset discomfort in his left lower rib”, has left his availability for next month’s T20 World Cup hanging in the balance.
India face the USA in Mumbai on 7 February, day one of the tournament, so the selectors are in no rush to gamble on Sundar. Delhi batter-spinner Ayush Badoni has already stepped in for the ongoing ODIs, yet it remains to be seen whether he also joins the T20I squad.
The absence of Sundar is softened by a queue of fit all-rounders due in camp next week: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel—vice-captain for both the World Cup and this NZ series—plus Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube. Between them, India still cover the spin-seam balance Sundar usually offers.
Head coach Rahul Dravid kept things measured when asked about the setback on Tuesday. “There’s still time,” he said. “We want Washy fully right, not half-ready.” Support staff expect a clearer update once his next scan arrives later this week.
Sundar, meanwhile, posted a short note to fans on social media: “Rehab going well. Focusing on the controllables.” His timeline, though, is dictated by how quickly the muscle around the ribs settles—side strains can be awkward, particularly for a bowling action that relies on torso rotation.
In a separate blow, middle-order batter Tilak Varma is out of the first three T20Is following groin surgery. He should re-enter the squad before the final two matches if recovery stays on track.
India squad for New Zealand T20Is
Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma (recovering), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wk)
Unavailable first three games
Ruled out of series
For now, India’s plans tick along, but selectors will want Sundar’s status settled well before the World Cup squad has to be finalised.
