Team India all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remaining matches of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named a replacement for Sundar in the ODI squad, but left-arm spinner Axar Patel was not considered for selection.
Sundar suffered an “acute onset of discomfort in his left lower rib area” while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday. The left-handed batter will now undergo further scans. Notably, the BCCI medical team will consult specialists to assess the injury and decide the next steps.
Ayush Badoni Named as Washington Sundar’s Replacement for Second ODI
The BCCI Selection Committee on Monday, January 12, named Ayush Badoni as the replacement for Washington Sundar in the ODI squad. Badoni received his first call-up to the Indian team, and the Delhi batter will join the squad in Rajkot for the second ODI.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Sundar bowled five overs in the first ODI, conceding 27 runs at an economy rate of 5.40 without taking a wicket. However, he walked off the field and did not return to bowl his remaining overs.
He also contributed with the bat during the chase. Sundar came in when India needed 22 runs to win and batted alongside KL Rahul to take the team home with six balls remaining. He stayed unbeaten on 7 runs off 7 balls.
The Tamil Nadu cricketer got a lifeline late in the innings when Adithya Ashok dropped a simple catch off the bowling of Zakary Foulkes in the 48th over.
Axar Patel’s Omission from Home ODI Series Sparks Fan Debate After Sundar Injury
Many fans were left surprised after Axar Patel was not considered for the home ODI series, even after Washington Sundar’s injury. Questions have grown as Axar missed out on the recent series despite performing well earlier against Australia.
Axar Patel was part of the Australia series and delivered solid performances, but selectors have preferred Ravindra Jadeja in the squads for South Africa and New Zealand. Jadeja’s batting form has dipped, while Axar’s overall game has continued to improve.
Over the past year, Axar’s bowling has been in strong shape, and he has also worked on his batting, particularly against fast bowlers. He averages over 23 with the bat, bowls at an economy rate of under 4.50, and has taken 75 wickets in 71 matches.
Why Was Axar Patel Not Named as Washington Sundar’s Replacement?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India did not explain why Axar Patel was not picked as a replacement after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the ODI series. It is believed the team management may have decided to give Axar rest ahead of the T20 World Cup and avoid any injury risks.
India are already dealing with several injury setbacks. Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the ODI series after suffering a side strain while batting in the nets before the first match.
Tilak Varma has also been ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand after undergoing surgery for an abdominal issue in Rajkot. The second ODI will be played on Wednesday, January 14, at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
Also read: Shreyas Iyer refuses to speak at length about Virat Kohli’s heroics vs NZ
