![Washington Sundar ruled out of NZ T20Is [Source: @cricketcomau/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768411538428_WashingtonSundarruledoutofNZT20Is.jpg?type=hq)
Washington Sundar ruled out of NZ T20Is [Source: @cricketcomau/X]
After Washington Sundar was ruled out of the remainder of the New Zealand ODI series following an injury sustained in the first ODI at Vadodara, fresh reports suggest that the all-rounder has also been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.
Washington Sundar suffered a lower rib injury during the first ODI, and the nature of the injury appears to be a concern, with recovery expected to take longer than initially anticipated.
Washington Sundar’s injury risks T20 World Cup 2026 future
According to RevSportz journalist Subhayan Chakraborty, Washington Sundar is set to miss the New Zealand T20I series as well, which is scheduled to begin on January 21.
Notably, India’s T20I squad for the series mirrors the group selected for the T20 World Cup 2026, meaning India could lose a key spin-bowling all-rounder not only for the bilateral series but potentially for the global event as well if the injury worsens.
How was Washington Sundar injured?
Sundar reportedly felt acute discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11. He was taken off the field mid-match, with Nitish Kumar Reddy coming in as a substitute fielder. However, Sundar later returned to bat during India’s chase of 301 runs and scored seven runs off seven balls to see the game through.
Although he did not show visible discomfort while batting, it is believed that the effort may have aggravated the injury, prompting the BCCI to conduct further medical scans after the match.
As a result, Ayush Badoni was called up as Sundar’s replacement for the remainder of the ODI series. However, no replacement has yet been announced for the T20I squad, and the BCCI has not officially confirmed Sundar’s exclusion from the T20I series either.
Who can fill Sundar’s impact in the squad?
Washington Sundar has been an impactful all-rounder for India in the T20I format, having played 58 matches, picking up 51 wickets and scoring 254 runs at an average of 16.93. His ability to contribute at No. 6 or No. 7 has often provided balance to the side, especially when the middle order collapses.
With players like Riyan Parag currently out of the T20 World Cup plans, Sundar’s injury could open the door for the Rajasthan Royals star to earn a potential call-up, should the team management look for a similar replacement.
Can Riyan Parag potentially replace Sundar?
Notably, Riyan Parag has featured in nine T20Is so far, in which he has picked up four wickets and scored 106 runs at an average of 17.67.
His recent form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was below par with the bat, but he enjoyed a strong outing in IPL 2025, where he picked up three wickets in nine matches with his occasional bowling while scoring 393 runs at an average of 32.75.
This performance has kept him in contention as he auditions for a solid run ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Whether India opts for Ayush Badoni in the T20I squad for the New Zealand series as well, or turns to Riyan Parag instead, remains a topic of discussion. For now, however, Washington Sundar’s own T20 World Cup 2026 prospects appear to be in jeopardy.
