Washington Sundar Ruled Out of NZ T20Is with Side Strain, Bishnoi Replaces

Washington Sundar Sidelined for New Zealand T20I Series with Side Strain

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced that all-rounder Washington Sundar will not participate in the upcoming IDFC First Bank T20I series against New Zealand. Sundar sustained a side strain, forcing him out of the squad.

Injury Occurred During Vadodara ODI

Sundar experienced acute discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on January 11. The pain prompted immediate medical attention.

Following scans and a personal consultation with a medical expert, doctors advised Sundar to rest for several days. He will now report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further assessment and rehabilitation work.

Leg-Spinner Ravi Bishnoi Steps In as Replacement

The Men’s Selection Committee moved quickly to fill the vacancy. They named leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi as Sundar’s direct replacement in the T20I squad.

Bishnoi brings considerable experience to the team. He has played 42 T20Is, taking 61 wickets with best figures of 4 for 13. His bowling strike rate stands at 15.8, and he maintains an economy rate of 7.35.

Shreyas Iyer Added for First Three T20Is

In another squad adjustment, Shreyas Iyer joins the team for the initial three T20I matches. He replaces Tilak Varma, who is currently recovering from an abdominal injury.

Iyer boasts an impressive T20I record. He has played 51 matches, batting in 47 innings and scoring 1,104 runs at an average of 30.67. His strike rate is 136.13, with a highest score of 90 and eight half-centuries to his name.

His recent IPL 2025 performance further highlights his form. Playing 17 matches for Punjab Kings, Iyer scored 604 runs at an average of 50.33 with a strike rate of 175.07. He hit six half-centuries and led the team to their first IPL final since 2014.