In a significant setback for the Indian cricket team, all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the ongoing One-Day International series against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on Monday, citing a rib injury the player sustained during the first match in Vadodara.
How the Injury Occurred
The 26-year-old off-spinner bowled five overs, conceding 27 runs, during New Zealand's innings at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi on Sunday. However, he experienced acute discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling and had to leave the field midway through the innings. Although he did not return to field, Sundar displayed grit by coming out to bat at number eight later in the chase.
His contribution with the bat was part of India's successful pursuit, which they won by four wickets. Following the match, the BCCI's medical team assessed his condition. The board's advisory stated that Washington Sundar will undergo further scans, after which the medical team will seek an expert opinion to determine the full extent and recovery timeline for the injury.
Ayush Badoni Steps In as Replacement
In response to the vacancy created in the squad, the Men's Selection Committee has moved swiftly to name a replacement. Young Lucknow Super Giants talent Ayush Badoni has been called up to join the Indian team. The right-handed batter and part-time off-spinner will link up with the squad in Rajkot, the venue for the second ODI against the Black Caps.
This call-up represents a big opportunity for Badoni, who has impressed in the Indian Premier League with his composed finishing abilities. His inclusion adds a similar batting profile to the lower middle-order, albeit with less bowling experience than the versatile Sundar.
Sundar's Crucial Role in the First ODI Win
Just before the news of his injury broke, the BCCI had released a video featuring Sundar, where he reflected on his role in the tense first ODI victory. He described the experience of batting in a crucial phase as "fun" and connected it to fulfilling a childhood dream.
"I owe this to little Washi, who has watched so many games like these on TV and told himself that you do anything to win the game for your team," Sundar said in the video. He heaped praise on his senior partner at the crease, KL Rahul, whose unbeaten knock guided India home.
Sundar explained his clear instructions during the partnership: "KL batted beautifully, and knowing he was there, I knew I didn't have to take too much risk. I just had to play the 48th and 49th over and make sure it's him who is batting for the last 10 balls in the game." This plan was executed perfectly, as with 10 runs needed from 10 balls, Sundar gave Rahul the strike on the third ball of the 49th over. Rahul then sealed the win with two boundaries and a six.
The injury casts a shadow over India's plans for the remainder of the three-match series. Washington Sundar's dual skills with bat and ball provide valuable balance to the side, and his absence will force a tactical rethink. All eyes will now be on the team management's combination for the must-win second ODI in Rajkot, with the series poised at 1-0 in India's favour.
