Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand scheduled from January 21 to 31.
The series is an important part of India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7.
Washington is said to be recovering from a concussion suffered during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara last week. The BCCI described the injury as “severe initial discomfort in his left lower rib”.
It is unclear whether the injury will affect his participation in the T20 World Cup. India’s campaign against USA begins in Mumbai on the opening day of the tournament.
BCCI selectors have named Delhi batting all-rounder Ayush Patoni as Washington’s replacement for the ODI series. Whether Padoni will join the T20 squad is yet to be confirmed.
However, India are unlikely to be too concerned about Washington’s absence for the New Zealand T20Is as several all-rounders are expected to join the squad next week.
These include Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel (vice-captain for both T20 World Cup and New Zealand T20), Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dubey.
Apart from Washington, Tilak Verma will miss the first three T20Is after hip surgery.
India squad for New Zealand T20:
Suryakumar Yadav (catch), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (week), Tilak Verma (unavailable for first three games), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakraborty (Varun Chakraborty, Varun Chakraborty).