Washington Sundar Sidelined: India's Cricket Team Faces Challenges Ahead of World Cup

Washington Sundar, India's all-rounder cricketer, has been ruled out of the series against New Zealand due to a rib injury. Diagnosed with a side strain, he'll miss crucial matches ahead of the World Cup. Ravi Bishnoi and Shreyas Iyer are named as replacements in the T20I squad.

In a setback for India's cricket team, all-rounder Washington Sundar will not participate in the upcoming five-match T20 international series against New Zealand. The BCCI announced Sundar's unavailability following his complaint of rib discomfort, diagnosed as a side strain.

Sundar experienced acute discomfort while bowling during a recent ODI against New Zealand, prompting scans and an expert consultation. He is now advised to rest and subsequently report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further injury management. This injury impacts India's World Cup preparations, with tournament matches starting on February 7.

The selection committee has swiftly named Ravi Bishnoi as a replacement for Sundar and added Shreyas Iyer to cover Tilak Varma's absence in the T20I squad. The upcoming series remains a critical opportunity for India to fine-tune its strategy ahead of the World Cup, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka.

(With inputs from agencies.)