Sundar ruled out of NZ ODI series with side strain

Washington Sundar, the Indian all-rounder, has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain. Ayush Badoni has been named Sundar's replacement, getting a call-up to the India ODI squad for the first time.

"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," stated a BCCI release.

"Washington has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the IDFC First Bank ODI series," added the release. "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."

Sundar sustained the injury during the first innings and left the field after bowling five overs. He later came out to bat but was visibly hampered while running between the wickets. Walking in at No. 8, after Harshit Rana, Sundar made a run-a-ball seven in a brief stand with KL Rahul, who finished the chase in the 49th over with two fours and a six.

Speaking to the broadcaster after the match, Rahul said: "I didn't know he (Washington) couldn't run. I knew he had a bit of an injury in the first innings, but I wasn't aware of the extent. That said, he was striking the ball really well. When he came in, we were already going at about a run-a-ball, so there was no need to take unnecessary risks. There wasn't too much pressure on him. He rotated the strike, and did his job."

Addressing the press conference later, Rana added: "Washington Sundar has a side strain. He was in pain while batting. Our medical team will assess and will update."

Sundar is the second Indian player to be ruled out of the ODI series after Rishabh Pant, who suffered an oblique muscle tear during training ahead of the first ODI in Vadodara. Dhruv Jurel was named as Pant's replacement.

Badoni, the 26-year old Delhi all-rounder, has played 27 List A games in which he has scored 693 runs, including a century and 5 fifties, and has picked up 18 wickets. He has also played 56 matches for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL since making his debut in 2022, scoring 963 runs and bagging 4 wickets in his limited bowling appearances.

India won the first ODI in Vadodara by 4 wickets on Sunday (January 11). The second game in Rajkot will be played on January 14, followed by the final ODI in Indore on January 18.