Washington Sundar, an Indian all-rounder, is unlikely to bat in India’s opening ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara due to a probable injury. Sundar bowled five overs in New Zealand’s innings before leaving the pitch after the 20th over. He was seen gripping his back, and preliminary examination indicates that he may be suffering from a side strain.
According to The Week, an official update from the BCCI medical team is expected, but Indian team management is unlikely to risk Sundar with the bat, especially because the match is not high-stakes. As a precautionary measure, the off-spinner may be ruled out of the series’ remaining two ODIs.
While two matches per week is hardly a heavy commitment, side strains and back niggles are problems that must be carefully managed. Rushing a player back could worsen the situation, especially with larger events on the horizon. Sundar is a member of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7, and his fitness will be a concern for team management. Sundar, a utility all-rounder, provides essential balance in subcontinental conditions, even if he is not an automatic starter in the playing XI.
After Washington Sundar walked off the field, Nitish Kumar Reddy came on as a substitute fielder for India.
With the IPL 2026 also scheduled soon after the T20 World Cup, Sundar faces a packed calendar, further reducing the likelihood of him being risked in the ongoing ODI series. The focus will realistically be on ensuring he is fully fit for the T20I series that follows.
The second ODI of the series will be played in Rajkot on January 14, while the final match is scheduled in Indore on January 18. India will then face New Zealand in a five-match T20I series as part of their final preparations for the T20 World Cup.
Speaking about the match, New Zealand posted 300/8 in their 50 overs, with Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Daryl Mitchell scoring half-centuries. For India, pacers Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana picked up two wickets each to keep the visitors in check.
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