The Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has reportedly been ruled out from the five-match T20I series against New Zealand that will start after the ongoing ODI series against the same. Notably, Washington has been dealing with a side strain around his lower rib. This had earlier ruled him out from the ODI series, and now the t20I series too.

 

A report from ESPNCricinfo said that Washington Sundar won't be playing the T20I series that will start on and from January 21. The T20 series is being looked at as a preparatory one before the upcoming 2026 World Cup hosted by India and co-hosted by Sri lanka.

 

However, the Board of Cricket Control in India is yet to confirm his availability in the World Cup that followed. Earlier, BCCI officially confirmed Washi's injury, citing it as "acute onset discomfort in his left lower rib." The management had even announced Ayush Badoni as the replacement. However, no replacement has yet been announced for the t20 series.

 

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What happened to Washington Sundar?

 

The Indian all-rounder is currently an integral face in all the formats for the Indian team.  However, in the first ODI against the Kiwis, on January 11, at Vadodara, Washington walked out after facing discomfort on his lower rib. 

 

By that time, Washi had already bowled 5 of his overs and had conceded 27 runs. He did not come to the field in the first inning. While batting, Harshit Rana was sent above him. But after Harshit was dismissed, it was Washington who assisted KL Rahul with the chase. 

 

In the press conference, team's captain clarified that Washi was taken away for scans, even though the reports were not revealed later.

 

Who can replace Washington Sundar?

 

The BCCI has not announced a viable option for the T20 setup. They may carry on with Badoni or may drag in Shreyas Iyer from the ODI setup, who showed outstanding performance in the last 2025 IPl, for the Punjab Kings.

 

However, even if they chose not to pick any replacement, it still won't be a headache for the captain, Suryakumar yadav. The team still will have two premier all-rounders with the side—Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and also the vice captain of the side, Axar Patel.

 

India's squad for NZ T20Is

 

Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma (unavailable for first three games), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk)