Ayush Patoni has been called up in the Indian squad to replace all-rounder Washington Sundar, who was ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand due to a rib injury in the series opener in Vadodara.
Washington, who bowled five overs for 27, walked off the field midway through the New Zealand innings and did not bowl again. Despite the discomfort, he later walked out to bat at No. 8 as India won by four wickets.
“Washington Sundar suffered acute discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling in the first ODI against New Zealand at the PCA Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday,” the BCCI said in a statement on Monday.
“He will undergo further scans, following which the BCCI medical team will seek expert opinion.”
Padoni has received his first call-up to international cricket. He played 27 List A matches and scored one hundred and five fifties at an average of 36.47.
Primarily a batsman, the 26-year-old is ready to bat lower down the order and occasionally bowl off-spin if needed.
In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi, Patoni bowled 22 overs in three innings and took four wickets at an average of 19.75 with an economy rate of 3.59.
Although his batting form has been modest this season, he has been successful in batting at 5 or less last time. He also brings IPL experience having played 56 matches for Lucknow Supergiants.
Washington is the third Indian player to suffer an injury ahead of the series.
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out with a side strain, while Thilak Verma will miss the first three T20Is with a groin injury that required surgery.
Following India’s win in Vadodara, ODI captain Shubman Gill gave an update on Sundar’s condition: “Washington Sundar has a side strain and will undergo a scan after the match.”
After the first ODI, India and New Zealand will play in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18 before focusing on a five-match T20I series at Nagpur (January 21), Raipur (January 23), Guwahati (January 25), Visakhapatnam (January 1), and January 3. The T20 World Cup will be held in February-March between India and Sri Lanka.