Team India`s all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The contest will serve as a preparatory series for both teams ahead of the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2026, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Currently, Sundar is still recovering from the side strain that he sustained during the first ODI match against the “Black Caps” in Vadodara. Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) described it as an acute onset of discomfort in his left lower rib. So far, there is no clarity on whether the injury can affect his availability for the global showpiece.
The BCCI has named Ayush Badoni as his replacement for the ODI series, but the selectors are yet to confirm if the Delhi-born cricketer will be added to India`s T20I squad as well.
Team India`s think tank is expected to face concerns about Sundar`s absence from the T20I matches against the Kiwis. Several other Indian all-rounders, such as Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Abhishek Sharma, and Shivam Dube, are all set to be available for the series.
Axar has been appointed as the vice-captain of Team India for both the T20 World Cup 2026 and the T20I series against New Zealand.
In another setback, Tilak Varma will miss the first three T20I matches after undergoing surgery for a groin injury.
Team India is placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2026 along with teams such as Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States of America (USA).
Suryakumar Yadav-led men will begin their campaign by playing a clash against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The high-octane clash between the arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, is scheduled to be played on February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
India`s squad for the T20I series against New Zealand
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma (unavailable for first three games), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper).
(With ANI Inputs)
