IND vs NZ: Team India got a big shock after winning the first ODI, this all-rounder is out of the entire series; Important part of T20 World Cup squad

IND vs NZ ODI Series: Despite registering a spectacular win in the first ODI, Team India’s happiness has been overshadowed. In the beginning of the series against New Zealand, India took the lead by winning the match by 4 wickets, but during the same match, the team suffered a setback which may affect the future strategy.

Actually, Indian team’s important all-rounder Washington Sundar has been injured and is out of the entire ODI series. Sundar, who suffered a side strain injury while fielding, came into bat and scored 7 unbeaten runs, but after the medical reports, his ability to play further came to a halt.

IND vs NZ: Side strain increases concern, Sundar out of entire series

Washington Sundar suffered side strain while fielding in the first ODI, after which he had to leave the field. In the initial assessment itself, the injury was considered serious and now it has become clear that he will not be able to play the remaining two ODI matches against New Zealand. The team management does not want to take any kind of risk.

IND vs NZ: Rajkot and Indore also out of ODI

Sundar will now not be a part of the second ODI to be played in Rajkot on January 14 and the final match to be played in Indore on January 18. An injury like a side strain takes time to recover from and can become more serious if rushed. For this reason, a decision has been taken to give him complete rest.

IND vs NZ: Fitness is important regarding T20 World Cup and IPL

The upcoming T20 World Cup and after that IPL 2026 are the priority of Team India. Washington Sundar is considered an important part of the T20 setup. Even though he is not a part of the playing eleven in every match, his all-round ability gives balance to the team. In such a situation, the management’s focus is more on his long-term fitness than the current ODI series.

IND vs NZ: Gill and Rahul gave updates

ODI captain Shubman Gill told after the match that Washington Sundar has a side strain and will be scanned. KL Rahul, who scored the winning shot, said that he was not aware of the seriousness of the injury, but Sundar played the responsibility even under pressure and took the team closer to victory by rotating the strike.