India all-rounder Washington Sundar got injured during the first ODI against New Zealand at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. Sundar, who bowled four overs during New Zealand's innings, walked back to the dressing room midway through the 20th over of the innings. The off-spinner is suspected to be suffering from a side strain, and he was also seen clutching his back. There were speculations that the batter might not come to bat, but he came to bat after the team's middle order collapsed when India needed 22 runs to win the clash.
Threat looms over Sundar's participation in ODIs?
The Week reported that there a strong possibility that Sundar could miss the remaining two ODIs in the series. The second match will be played in Rajkot on January 14, followed by the final ODI in Indore on January 18 because the management is not expected to take any chances with him, especially since the match is not a must-win one.
Although the games are spread over just a week, injuries related to the side or back usually need careful handling. Sundar is also part of India’s plans for the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7. In subcontinental conditions, he is seen as a valuable all-round option, even if he is not a guaranteed starter in the playing XI.
Who came as a substitute fielder for Sundar
After Sundar left the field, Nitish Reddy came on as India’s substitute fielder. With the T20 World Cup and IPL 2026 coming up soon, Sundar has a busy schedule ahead. For that reason, India are likely to rest him during this ODI series and focus on having him fully fit for the T20I series that follows.
India are set to play five T20 internationals against New Zealand as their final preparation for the World Cup, and all players, including Sundar, will be keen to be match-fit for that crucial phase.
Pant ruled out of New Zealand series
Notably, If Sundar suffered an injury, he would be the second player who will get ruled out of the series. Earlier, wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant ruled out of the series. Pant was hit in his right lateral abdominal area while batting in the nets on the eve of the series opener at BCA Stadium, Vadodara. In his absence, an in-form Dhruv Jurel has joined the ODI squad.