- By Vishal Pushkar
- Thu, 15 Jan 2026 01:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India vs New Zealand: The injury woes for Team India continue as all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the five-match series against New Zealand, starting on January 21, as per a report. Sundar, who sustained an injury during the 1st ODI in Vadodara, is unlikely to recover in time for the T20I series. Sundar complained of discomfort in his rib area after bowling a couple of overs in the 1st ODI.
It is worth noting that another batter, Tilak Varma, is all set to miss the first three matches of the T20I series. Notably, Tilak underwent testicular surgery in Rajkot recently as he was featuring for Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
In a report by PTI, which quoted an official from the BCCI (Board of Cricket Control in India), said, "Washington Sundar has been ruled out from the T20 series vs NZ due to side strain."
Despite being injured, Sundar accompanied senior batter KL Rahul to lead India to victory by 4 wickets. The 26-year-old all-rounder walked gingerly during his entire knock as he received massive praise from Rahul for his act.
Ayush Badoni - An Ideal Replacement?
To replace Sundar, BCCI roped in middle-order batter Ayush Badoni as the youngster received his maiden call-up for India.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Chopra said, "Washington Sundar is not there. So Ayush Badoni has come in his place. I think the Indian selection committee was looking for a like-for-like replacement, and that is not available. Ayush Badoni bowled a lot and batted for India A. He is also bowling for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and is economical," Chopra said.
"So the selection committee went for Ayush Badoni. It could be a slightly unpopular choice because he hasn't scored even 1,000 runs in List A cricket. He does not have those many wickets, seeing which you would say he has broken the door and come in," he added.
Also, Aakash said that all-rounder Riyan Parag could not make it because of him returning after a long injury layoff during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while Rinku Singh missed out because he is a "batter who bowls occasionally".
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"You might be wondering why Riyan Parag couldn't have come, or why Rinku Singh couldn't have been thought about. Riyan Parag has just started coming back after a very long injury layoff. Another middle-order batter was available in the form of Rinku Singh. Although he has started bowling a lot now, he is not basically a bowler. He is a batter who bowls occasionally," he said.
Inputs from Agency