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IND vs NZ: India have been dealt another injury setback ahead of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, with star all-rounder Washington Sundar
ruled out due to a side strain.
The 26-year-old, who had already been sidelined from the ongoing three-match ODI series, will now miss the shortest-format assignment as well, putting further pressure on India's preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
Sundar picked up the injury while bowling in the opening ODI at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on January 11. Despite walking off the field mid-innings, the Tamil Nadu cricketer showcased grit by returning to bat at No. 8 during India's 301-run chase, finishing unbeaten on 7 off 7 balls. However, the damage was significant enough to keep him out of action for a longer duration.
According to a report by PTI, the all-rounder is unlikely to regain fitness before the T20Is begin on January 21 in Nagpur. "Washington Sundar has been ruled out from the T20I series vs New Zealand due to side strain," a BCCI official told the news agency. His injury now casts doubt over his availability for the T20 World Cup, slated to start on February 7, where he was initially named in India's 15-member squad announced on December 20, 2025.
Sundar becomes the second key member of India's World Cup squad to be sidelined from the New Zealand T20Is. Earlier, No. 3 batter Tilak Varma was ruled out of the first three matches following a groin surgery, further complicating India's build-up to the global event.
In the ODI setup, Sundar was replaced by Ayush Badoni for the second and third matches. For the upcoming T20Is, the selectors may opt for another backup, though the team already has sufficient spin depth. With Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy available for both the New Zealand series and the World Cup, the management is unlikely to feel short of options despite Sundar's absence.
Still, losing a multidimensional player like Sundar this close to a major tournament is far from ideal for India, making his recovery timeline a situation the team will closely monitor in the coming days.
