Why Washington Sundar is not playing India vs New Zealand T20 2026 series

Indian cricket team all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20 series against New Zealand after failing to recover from a side strain sustained during the ODI leg of the tour.

The 26-year-old Washington experienced discomfort in his rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadadora earlier this week. Despite the injury, he later batted in the match and helped KL Rahul lead India to victory from a precarious situation.

Medical assessments later confirmed a side strain, ruling him out of the subsequent two games of the three-match ODI series.

Now, Washington Sundar will also miss the upcoming T20I series against the Kiwis after failing to recover in time. A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official confirmed the news to PTI.

India will play New Zealand five T20I matches with the first scheduled in Nagpur on January 21. Raipur and Guwahati will host the next two on January 23 and 25, respectively.

The series will then culminate with the fourth and fifth matches being held at Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram on January 28 and 31, respectively.

The injury concern also casts a shadow over Sundar’s availability for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which starts from February 7 with India and Sri Lanka co-hosting the global showpiece.

Washington Sundar has been named in India’s 15-member squad for the tournament.

Since making his T20 debut for India in 2017, Washington Sundar has played 58 matches in the format, picking up 51 wickets and scoring over 250 runs, including a half-century.

He has established himself as a key spin option for the India squad in the shortest format, especially after Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20I cricket following the 2024 World Cup.

Sundar has also represented India in both Test and ODI cricket.

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