All-rounder Washington Sundar is unlikely to bat in India's innings during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. Having bowled five bowlers during New Zealand's innings, Sundar had to walk off the field after the 20th over of the innings. The off-spinner is suspected to be suffering from a side strain and he was also seen clutching his back.
An official update from the BCCI medical staff is expected soon but India are unlikely to risk him in the batting department, especially as this game isn't of massive significance. In fact, Sundar is also on track to be ruled out of the remaining two ODIs in the series. The second ODI is scheduled on January 14 in Rajkot while the final game will be in Indore on January 18.
Two games over a week isn't a lot of workload but side strain or a niggle on the back are generally not something for players to rush back into. Especially when Sundar is also part of India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad. The tournament starts from February 7 and in sub-continental conditions, Sundar is a utility T20 players to have, although he isn't an automatic starter in the T20 squad.
Nitish Reddy was the substitute fielder for India after Sundar left the field. Apart from the T20 World Cup, there is also IPL 2026 that follows quickly after, which means a packed schedule ahead for Sundar. Therefore, he is unlikely to be risked for this ongoing ODI series and will realistically want to be fit for the T20I series that follows.
India have five T20Is against New Zealand as the final countdown to their T20 World Cup campaign. All the players who are part of the squad including Sundar will want to be fully fit.
