IND vs NZ: Another Blow for India as Washington Sundar Ruled Out of ODI Series

India’s woes continued in the first ODI against New Zealand as all-rounder Washington Sundar sustained an injury and has been ruled out of the remainder of the series.

Sundar Suffers Side Strain
Earlier, India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant had been forced out of the series due to injury, and now Sundar’s exit adds to India’s challenges. The off-spinner sustained a side strain during India’s first match against New Zealand, which prevented him from completing his bowling spell. Sundar bowled five overs in the first innings before having to leave the field.

Reports from India Today indicate that Sundar will miss the rest of the ODI series. The BCCI has yet to issue an official statement confirming his absence. During the match, it was evident that Sundar was struggling even while batting at number eight, scoring 7 runs off 7 balls.

Impact on Team India
India’s captain, Shubman Gill, confirmed after the match that Sundar had been sent for a scan to assess the severity of the injury. At 26, Sundar remains an integral part of India’s plans, having been included in the T20 World Cup squad as well as the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand. His absence could be a significant setback, as Sundar plays a dual role for the team—both as a bowler and as a lower-order batsman.

Possible Replacement
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to replace Sundar in the playing XI for the second ODI. In the two ODIs he has played so far, Reddy has scored 27 runs but is yet to claim a wicket. His inclusion will be vital for India to maintain balance in both batting and bowling departments.

With two key players now unavailable, India will need to adjust their strategy carefully to stay competitive in the series.