Mumbai: In yet another setback for India’s men’s cricket team, all-rounder Washington Sundar, on Monday, was ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against New Zealand.
“India all-rounder Washington Sundar reported an acute onset discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on Sunday. He will undergo further scans, following which the BCCI Medical Team will seek expert opinion. Washington has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the IDFC First Bank ODI series,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement.
“The Men’s Selection Committee has named Ayush Badoni as his replacement. Badoni will link up with the squad in Rajkot, the venue for the second ODI,” he added.
Sundar bowled just five overs in the opening ODI, which India won by four wickets. He gave away 27 runs at an economy rate of 5.40 and failed to take a wicket. Sundar came out to bat to give company to KL Rahul when India needed 22 more runs for the win.
The 26-year-old was clearly in pain when he arrived at the crease to bat. Rahul took charge after realising that Sundar could barely run.
India finally got over the line with four wickets in hand and six balls to spare. Sundar remained unbeaten on 7 off seven balls.
This is India’s third injury blow inside a week. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was earlier ruled out of the ODI series due to a side strain he suffered while batting during the nets on the eve of the opening ODI.
Tilak Varma was also ruled out of the upcoming first three T20Is against New Zealand after undergoing surgery for an abdominal issue in Rajkot.
“Tilak will resume physical training and gradually return to skill-based activities once his symptoms have fully resolved and wound healing is satisfactory,” the BCCI had said in a statement.
