Washington Sundar Ruled Out Of T20I series Against New Zealand, Doubts Loom Over World Cup 2026 Participation

India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand due to a side strain. Sundar felt discomfort in his left lower rib area in the first ODI which was held in Vadodara.

“Washington Sundar has been ruled out from T20 series vs NZ due to side strain,” a BCCI official told PTI.

The five-match T20I series is scheduled to begin from January 21 and according to PTI, Sundar will not be able to recover in time for the series. Sundar even walked out to bat despite injury in the first ODI, even after the match concluded Rahul revealed that he did not know that Sundar wasn’t able to run and he praised his sportsmanship to keep going. Sundar controlled the innings from the other end while Rahul played and stayed till the end.

Ayush Badoni has been roped in as the replacement of Washington Sundar, and received maiden call-up for India.

The Indian Team has already faced injury setback in the form of Tilak Varma who is also not available for first few matches of the T20I series. Sundar will also not be taking part which has also put doubts over his participation in the T20 World Cup which will be starting from February 7. India is in Group A and will be playing their first match against USA.