India have suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, as all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the T20I series against New Zealand. The left-hander, who was ruled out of the ongoing three-match ODI series, will now miss the five-match T20I series against the same opponent.
Sundar sustained a rib injury in the opening match at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11. The 26-year-old all-rounder experienced discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling but still came out to bat at No. 8 in India’s 301-run chase under Shubman Gill, finishing unbeaten on 7 off 7 balls.
India were forced to make a change for the remainder of the ODI series against New Zealand, naming Ayush Badoni as his replacement.
Washington Sundar Ruled Out of T20I Series vs New Zealand
According to a report by news agency PTI, Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home. Sundar will not recover in time for the series, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, January 21, in Nagpur.
“Washington Sundar has been ruled out from the T20I series vs New Zealand due to side strain," a BCCI official told PTI on Wednesday.
This comes as a major setback for India because this is their final bilateral series before the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7. Sundar’s injury has also raised doubts over his availability for the ICC event.
With Axar Patel being the only other spin-bowling all-rounder in the squad for the New Zealand T20Is and the World Cup, India now need to find a quick and reliable replacement.
Washington Sundar's Numbers in T20Is
Washington Sundar made his T20I debut for India in 2017 against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, finishing with figures of 1/22 from four overs.
Sundar has played 58 T20Is for India, taking 51 wickets from 54 innings at an average of 22.76 and an economy rate of 6.91, with best bowling figures of 3/3. With the bat, he has scored 254 runs from 24 innings at a strike rate of 134.39.
The Tamil Nadu cricketer has featured in 159 T20 matches overall. He has claimed 118 wickets at an average of 28.44 and an economy rate of 7.04. As a batter, he has scored 1,489 runs from 101 innings at an average of 20.12 and a strike rate of 123.67, including three half-centuries.
India Face Selection Concerns Ahead Of T20 World Cup
Washington Sundar has become the second World Cup squad member to miss the T20I series against New Zealand. Earlier, No. 3 batter Tilak Varma was ruled out of the first three T20Is after undergoing surgery for a groin injury.
Tilak’s recovery timeline remains unclear, adding to India’s concerns. With both players unavailable, the team management and medical staff are racing against time and hoping both can regain full fitness before the global tournament.
India still have three frontline spinners – Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy – in the T20I squad for both the New Zealand series and the World Cup. As a result, Sundar’s absence does not affect the first-choice combination.
However, as a like-for-like spin-bowling all-round option, Shahbaz Ahmed could come back into contention. The 31-year-old, who has played three ODIs and two T20Is for India, was recently called up as a replacement for Axar Patel during the T20I series against South Africa last month.
Also read: Revealed: Why Axar Patel wasn't named Washington Sundar’s replacement for New Zealand ODIs?
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