Washington Sundar Out of India vs New Zealand ODI Series due to Injury

Just when Team India thought they had their rhythm sorted for the home series against New Zealand, they've been hit with some bad news. Star all-rounder Washington Sundar has been officially ruled out of the entire upcoming three-match ODI series due to a hand injury.

This is a tough blow for both Sundar and the team management. He’s been a vital part of India's limited-overs setup recently, especially with his handy off-spin and dependable lower-order batting.

What Happened?

According to reports coming in from the BCCI just this morning, Sundar sustained a deep cut on his non-bowling hand during a net session leading up to the first ODI. While the injury isn't career-threatening, the team doctors have advised proper rest and rehabilitation, making him unavailable for immediate selection.

It's a classic case of bad timing. Sundar was looking in good touch and was expected to play a key role in containing the aggressive New Zealand middle order.

Who Steps Up Now?

The BCCI selectors met quickly and are yet to announce a formal replacement, but speculation is rife. It's likely we might see someone like Shahbaz Ahmed or perhaps an extra pacer added to the squad for balance. Captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid will now have to rethink their spin combination for the crucial matches starting this week.

Series Schedule:

The first ODI is scheduled for January 14th in Hyderabad, followed by matches in Raipur and Indore. This injury just added an unexpected twist to what promises to be an exciting series.

We wish Washington Sundar a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the field soon!