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In a strategic tactical pivot aimed at red-ball readiness, Indian team management and selectors have released all-rounder Washington Sundar from the upcoming T20I roster against the West Indies. Rather than feature in the shortest format, Sundar is heading back to the domestic circuit to suit up for his state side in the Ranji Trophy. The move is designed to afford him extended red-ball game time ahead of India’s high-stakes Test assignment against New Zealand.
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Washington Sundar to miss West Indies T20Is for Ranji Trophy
Filling the vacancy in the T20I squad is Naman Dhir, who earns a call-up to reinforce the side's options. India made this big change as they take firm control of the ongoing ODI series against West Indies, having already wrapped up a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI leg. India will cap off the 50-over segment on October 3 in Chandigarh before shifting focus to the T20I series with a refreshed lineup.
An injury scare involving Naman Dhir briefly rattled the Indian camp during the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati. Pressed into extra bowling duties following Prasidh Krishna’s hamstring strain, Dhir delivered 6.1 crucial overs before pulling up awkwardly. After initial treatment for what appeared to be a twisted ankle, the all-rounder limped off the field, sparking immediate concerns over his availability.
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, quickly put those fears to rest during the post-match debrief. Downplaying the severity of the incident, Kotak clarified that Dhir was merely battling severe cramping brought on by the sudden surge in his workload, reassuring fans that the youngster had suffered no structural damage and was in good health.
Despite taking on an unexpected burden in the middle overs, Dhir's resilient spell helped keep the West Indies in check as India wrapped up a dominant, series-clinching 2-0 lead. His quick recovery was further validated by the national selectors, who officially named him in the updated squad for the upcoming T20I leg.
The Men in Blue have been in total command throughout the leg, having already stormed to an eight-wicket victory in the opening ODI. That win was built on the back of Kuldeep Yadav's four-wicket haul, alongside imperious centuries from captain Shubman Gill (110) and Virat Kohli (139*), setting the stage for India's clinical run in the series.
Washington Sundar's injury-laden career
For all his tactical intelligence and all-round finesse, Washington Sundar’s career has continually been hamstrung by a relentless succession of physical setbacks. The Tamil Nadu off-spinner, whose elegant batting and precise powerplay bowling make him an invaluable asset across formats, has repeatedly seen promising international runs derailed at critical junctures.
Sundar’s vulnerability to freak and strain-related injuries has transformed what should have been a seamless transition into a permanent fixture into a cycle of rehabilitation and recovery. From finger fractures sustained during warm-up matches to hamstring issues, side strains, and rib discomfort while bowling, the setbacks have spared few parts of his body.
Here's the complete timeline of Washington Sundar's injury:
Finger Fracture on England Tour: 2021
Sustained a fractured finger while playing for the Select County XI against the visiting Indian side in a warm-up fixture at Durham. The injury forced him out of the entire five-Match Test series against England and subsequently sidelined him for the second leg of IPL 2021 and the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Covid-19 Complications & Hamstring Strain: 2022
Missed the tour of South Africa in January after contracting COVID-19 right before departure. Upon returning to action, he suffered a high-grade hamstring injury during the home series against West Indies, ruling him out of the three T20Is against Sri Lanka.
IPL Split-Webbing & Shoulder Dislocation: 2022
Split the webbing in his bowling hand twice during IPL 2022 while representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, missing five games. Later in August, while playing county cricket for Lancashire, he dislocated his left shoulder during a Royal London One-Day Cup match against Worcestershire, ruling him out of India's three-match ODI tour of Zimbabwe.
Hamstring Recurrence in IPL: 2023
Suffered a hamstring injury midway through IPL 2023, forcing him to pull out of the remainder of the season for Sunrisers Hyderabad and delaying his integration into India's early preparations for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Rib Strain / Side Strain Interruptions: 2026
Reported acute discomfort in his left lower rib area (side strain) during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. The injury ruled him out of the remaining ODIs and the subsequent five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
Hamstring Setback on UK Tour: 2026
Sustained a hamstring strain during the white-ball leg of India's tour of England, missing key fixtures including the Lord's ODI before undergoing targeted rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).
However, given his injury history, team management has adopted a cautious approach to manage the workload of the the star all-rounder.
India’s updated squad for West Indies T20Is:
Shreyas Iyer [C], Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan [WK], Sanju Samson [WK], Tilak Varma [VC], Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Naman Dhir
In another news, Prasidh Krishna has been sidelined for the upcoming third ODI against the West Indies following a left hamstring strain suffered mid-game during the Guwahati fixture.
To fill the void in the pace attack, the Men’s Selection Committee has called up Anshul Kamboj as his direct replacement for the final match of the 50-over series.
India’s updated squad for 3rd ODI against West Indies:
Shubman Gill [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul [VC, WK], Dhruv Jurel [WK], Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj
After wrapping up the ODI series against West Indies on October 3, both teams will head for the five-match T20I outing which will kick off from October 6 at the Ekana International Cricket stadium in Lucknow.
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