Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has raised questions over the Indian team management’s decision to send Washington Sundar to bat despite being injured. The incident occurred during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday.
Sundar had sustained an injury after bowling the first five overs, conceding 27 runs, and had left the field. Despite this, he returned to bat at number eight, facing just seven deliveries, and India went on to win the match by four wickets.
Kaif drew parallels with the earlier instance of Shubman Gill, who, despite a high-stakes situation, was not sent to bat during a test match in Kolkata due to fitness concerns. Kaif questioned why similar precautionary measures were not taken in Sundar’s case, highlighting the risk to the player’s health.
“You will recall when Shubman Gill was injured, he didn’t bat in the Kolkata Test, even though his 20–30 runs could have been crucial. The decision was made to protect the player from aggravating the injury. But with Sundar, this approach wasn’t followed. I believe it was a wrong decision,” Kaif said. He further added that Sundar’s injury also affected KL Rahul’s running between the wickets.
Kaif emphasized that sending an injured player into a high-pressure batting situation was unnecessary and risky. “Even if the match is under control, the injury could worsen. If a player is injured and runs are needed, you should send someone else first. Sundar couldn’t take double runs, and even singles were tough. The required run rate was about a run per ball, but it was risky to send an injured player,” Kaif explained.
Following this incident, Sundar has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against New Zealand, with Ayush Badoni brought in as his replacement. Kaif reiterated that Sundar should have been used as a last-resort option, only if the situation truly demanded it, suggesting that player safety should take priority.
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