Why Washington Sundar is Not Playing Today

Why Washington Sundar is Not Playing Today Match in IND vs NZ 2nd ODI?

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Modified - Jan 14, 2026, 10:36 AM

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Why Washington Sundar is Not Playing Today

The second One-Day International between India and New Zealand in the three-match series is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Rajkot, where the hosts have an opportunity to seal the series.

At the toss, New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell made the call to bowl first at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, backing his side to make use of the early conditions. India captain Shubman Gill, however, showed satisfaction with batting first, saying that they would have gone for batting first after observing minimal dew during their training session the previous night.

However, there are a few fitness concerns in the Indian camp, such as the recent Washington Sundar injury. The all-rounder experienced pain in his side while bowling in the first ODI at Vadodara, managing to complete only five overs before leaving the field. Although he returned to bat in visible pain later, as was evident from his running between the wickets. Medical evaluations confirmed a side strain, ruling him out of the rest of the series.

Why Washington Sundar is Not Playing Today in IND vs NZ 2nd ODI?

India all-rounder Washington Sundar has been sidelined for the rest of the ODI series against New Zealand after suffering a side strain. As a result, he is also not a part of the IND vs NZ 2nd ODI. Sundar’s unavailability has slightly unsettled India’s team balance, particularly in terms of spin-bowling depth and lower-order batting. He is currently one of the best all-rounders in India.

"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's injury will also be monitored cautiously as the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is approaching in less than a month. Although Ayush Badoni was added to the squad as Washington Sundar replacement, which is also his maiden call-up, but the young all-rounder did not make it into the playing XI for the second ODI.

Instead, the team management opted for Nitish Kumar Reddy, relying on his all-round skill set to provide balance in the middle order and offer a seam-bowling option. Reddy is not only an all-rounder but also has capabilities to become one of the best finishers in the world in future.

Ayush Badoni, Dhruv Jurel Added to the Squad as Injury Replacements

Washington Sundar became the second Indian cricketer to be ruled out of the ODI series, following Rishabh Pant, who was earlier sidelined after sustaining a muscle injury during a training session ahead of the opening ODI in Vadodara. With Pant unavailable, the selectors brought in Dhruv Jurel as his replacement.

Meanwhile, Ayush Badoni, the 26-year-old batter from Delhi, earned his maiden ODI call-up after consistent performances in domestic and franchise cricket.

In 27 List A matches, Badoni has scored 693 runs, with one hundred and five half-centuries, while also contributing with the ball by claiming 18 wickets. He has been a regular feature for the Lucknow Super Giants since his IPL debut in 2022, featuring in 56 matches, where he has scored 963 runs and picked up four wickets.