The Indian cricket team face a massive blow to their 2026 T20 World Cup plans. Medical staff have ruled out all-rounder Washington Sundar from the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Reports from Cricbuzz, as relayed by SportsTak, indicate that the spinner picked up a serious side strain.
Washington Sundar Ruled Out of New Zealand T20Is; World Cup Hopes Hang in Balance
This injury puts a big question mark over his spot in the global tournament, which kicks off on February 7. This news forces the team management to rethink their strategy just weeks before the big event begins. The injury first cropped up during the opening ODI against the Kiwis.
Sundar looked to be in a lot of pain during the match. Despite bowling five overs, the 26-year-old had to leave the field. Nonetheless, he showed real toughness by coming back out to bat later on. Sundar stayed not out on seven and helped India cross the finish line, chasing 301 runs with six balls left.
Sadly, the strain was bad enough to knock him out of the next two ODI matches right away. So, the BCCI sent him to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to start his recovery. While selectors have picked Ayush Badoni to take his place for the one-day games, they still haven't named a replacement for the five-match T20I series starting January 21.
This setback leaves a massive hole in the squad as India get ready for the series decider at Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18. The ODI series is currently tied at 1-1 after New Zealand took the second game by seven wickets. The home side now have to find a way forward without one of their main defensive bowlers.
Looking at Sundar’s Absence
Washington Sundar has become a huge part of India's white-ball team. He is especially valuable for his knack for keeping things tight during the Powerplay. Throughout his T20I career, he has played 58 matches and taken 51 wickets.
His main job is to dry up the runs with his accurate off-spin. On top of that, Sundar has chipped in with 258 runs, often steadying the ship in the lower order. Losing him means the captain loses a versatile player who can dictate the pace of the game in those first six overs.
The timing of this injury is a nightmare for the Indian camp. The team planned to use the five T20Is against New Zealand as a final trial run before the World Cup. Now, the management has to figure out new combinations. They have to do this without seeing if Sundar is actually fit for the match conditions.
If the all-rounder doesn't get better by February 7, the selectors will need to officially name a replacement for the World Cup. That move could really change the balance of the whole squad. Fans and experts are now waiting for the latest word from the medical team on how long his recovery will take.
