Just when Team India was hoping for smooth sailing into the T20 World Cup, a fresh setback has rocked their camp. All-rounder Washington Sundar has been officially ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain—a development that not only weakens India’s current lineup but also throws his availability for the high-stakes T20 leg into serious doubt.
Table of Contents
- The Washington Sundar Injury: What Happened?
- Impact on India vs New Zealand ODI Series
- T20 World Cup Concerns Mount
- Who Could Replace Washington Sundar?
- Historical Context: Sundar’s Injury Troubles
- BCCI’s Next Steps and Timeline
- Conclusion: A Test of Depth and Resilience
- Sources
The Washington Sundar injury: What Happened?
According to an official statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Washington Sundar sustained a left-side strain during training ahead of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand . Medical scans confirmed the muscular injury, which typically requires 2–3 weeks of rest and rehabilitation before a player can return to high-intensity activity like international cricket .
Given the timeline, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be match-fit for the remaining ODIs. More worryingly, with the T20 series scheduled to begin shortly after, his participation in those games—and potentially the T20 World Cup—is now under a cloud.
Impact on India vs New Zealand ODI Series
Sundar’s absence is a significant blow to India’s middle-order balance and bowling depth. Known for his economical left-arm spin and handy lower-order batting, he offered a rare dual skillset that allowed the team management flexibility in pitch conditions favoring seam or spin.
Without him, India may be forced to choose between:
- Promoting another pure spinner like Kuldeep Yadav, risking batting depth.
- Opting for an extra seamer like Arshdeep Singh, which could leave them short in spin-friendly conditions.
- Trying a part-time all-rounder like Axar Patel—but he’s already in the squad and may need to shoulder more overs.
This dilemma highlights just how valuable Sundar had become in India’s white-ball setup—especially in overseas conditions where control and versatility are paramount.
T20 World Cup Concerns Mount
The real alarm bells are ringing for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to begin in June 2026 . Sundar was widely expected to be a core member of India’s 15-man squad, given his performances in the 2024 T20 World Cup and consistent domestic form.
A side strain, while not career-threatening, is notoriously tricky to manage under tournament pressure. Rushing back could lead to re-injury—a risk no team can afford months before a global event. If Sundar misses the T20 series against New Zealand entirely, his race against time becomes even steeper.
[INTERNAL_LINK:t20-world-cup-2026-squad-predictions] experts have already begun revising their projected lineups, with names like Ravi Bishnoi and Shahbaz Ahmed gaining traction as potential alternatives.
Who Could Replace Washington Sundar?
The BCCI is expected to announce a replacement “shortly,” according to sources close to the selection committee . While no name has been confirmed, strong contenders include:
- Ravi Bishnoi – The leg-spinner offers wicket-taking ability and has impressed in recent IPL seasons.
- Shahbaz Ahmed – A left-arm spinner with aggressive batting credentials, similar to Sundar’s profile.
- Washington’s IPL teammate Riyan Parag – Though primarily a batter, his off-spin adds variety and he’s in red-hot form.
However, none offer the exact same blend of control, economy, and batting resilience that Sundar brings—making this a tough gap to fill seamlessly.
Historical Context: Sundar’s Injury Troubles
This isn’t the first time injuries have derailed Washington Sundar’s momentum. In 2021, he missed a major chunk of the England tour due to a finger fracture. In 2023, a stress reaction in his back kept him out of the Asia Cup .
His fitness fragility has been a recurring concern for selectors, despite his undeniable talent. According to ESPNcricinfo’s injury database, Sundar has missed over 40% of India’s white-ball matches since 2020 due to various niggles—a statistic that underscores the urgency of building squad depth around his role .
BCCI’s Next Steps and Timeline
The BCCI’s medical team will monitor Sundar’s recovery closely over the next 10 days. A decision on his T20 availability is likely by late January 2026. In the meantime, the national selectors are reportedly convening an emergency meeting to finalize his ODI replacement.
Team India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, emphasized the need for “mental and physical resilience” in the squad during a recent press briefing, hinting that such setbacks are part of the game—but must be managed without panic .
Conclusion: A Test of Depth and Resilience
The Washington Sundar injury is more than just a personnel change—it’s a stress test for India’s bench strength ahead of a World Cup year. While his absence creates a tactical void, it also opens a door for emerging talent to prove their mettle on the international stage. For Sundar, the focus now shifts to a disciplined recovery. For Team India, it’s about adapting fast—because in modern cricket, depth isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Sources
- Times of India. “Washington Sundar ruled out of ODI series due to injury.” January 11, 2026. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…
- BCCI Official Website. “Media Release: Squad Update for New Zealand Tour.” January 12, 2026.
- ICC. “ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule and Host Nations.” https://www.icc-cricket.com
- ESPNcricinfo. “Injury Tracker: Indian Cricketers 2020–2026.”
- PTI. “Sundar’s Side Strain: Typical Recovery Window Explained by Sports Physio.” January 11, 2026.
- The Hindu. “Washington Sundar’s Injury History: A Pattern of Setbacks.” March 15, 2023.
- NDTV Sports. “Gambhir on Squad Resilience: ‘We Prepare for Every Scenario.'” January 10, 2026.