Washington Sundar ruled out of NZ ODI series with side strain

Due to a side strain, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against New Zealand. Sundar has been replaced by Ayush Badoni, who has been called up to the India ODI squad for the first time. "India's Washington Sundar, an all-rounder, reported experiencing acute onset pain in his left lower rib area while bowling in the first One-Day International against New Zealand on Sunday at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. A BCCI release stated, "He will undergo additional scans, and the BCCI Medical Team will seek expert opinion after that." The press release added, "Washington has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the IDFC First Bank ODI series." Ayush Badoni has been selected to take his place by the Men's Selection Committee. Badoni will join the team in Rajkot, where the second ODI will be played. Sundar sustained the injury during the first innings and left the field after bowling five overs. He then went out to bat, but while running between the wickets, he was clearly hindered. 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 after walking in at No. 8 after Harshit Rana. After the match, Rahul told the broadcaster, "I didn't know he (Washington) could not run." I was aware that he had a minor injury in the first innings, but I was unaware of its severity. Having said that, he was hitting the ball extremely well. We were already moving at about a run-a-ball speed when he arrived, so there was no need to take unnecessary risks. He didn't feel a lot of pressure. He carried out his duties by rotating the strike." Later, Rana said to the press conference, "Washington Sundar has a side strain." While batting, he was in pain. Our medical staff will evaluate and provide updates." Rishabh Pant, who suffered an oblique muscle tear during training prior to the first ODI in Vadodara, is the first Indian player to be ruled out of the ODI series. Sundar is the second player to be ruled out. Pant's successor was named Dhruv Jurel. The Delhi all-rounder Badoni, 26, has played 27 List A matches. He has scored 693 runs, including 5 centuries and 18 fifties, and taken 18 wickets. Since making his debut in 2022, he has also played 56 games for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, scoring 963 runs and taking 4 wickets in his few bowling appearances. On Sunday, January 11, India prevailed by four wickets in the first ODI in Vadodara. The second match will be played on January 14 in Rajkot, and the final one-day international will be played on January 18 in Indore.