India Vs New Zealand: Washington Sundar, Tilak Varma Ruled Out By Injury; Iyer, Bishnoi Make The Cut

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a major change to the squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Star all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the series due to injury. Star batsman Shreyas Iyer has been included in the squad in place of the injured Tilak Varma. Shreyas has been included in the squad for the first three matches, while Ravi Bishnoi has been selected in place of Washington Sundar.

Why was Washington Sundar ruled out?

Star all-rounder Washington Sundar has officially been ruled out of the five-match T20I series starting January 21st due to a side strain. Sundar suffered this injury during the first ODI played in Vadodara. According to BCCI sources, Sundar's injury is quite serious and will take time to fully recover. Sundar had previously been ruled out of the remaining ODIs, where Ayush Badoni was included in his place.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has described Washington's injury as a sudden strain on his left lower rib, although it is unclear whether he will be fully fit for the World Cup. India is scheduled to face the United States in the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Mumbai.

What did the BCCI say?

"Washington Sundar underwent scans after reporting an acute onset discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI," the BCCI said in a statement.

"This was followed by an in-person consultation with an expert. He has been diagnosed with a side strain and has been advised rest for a few days, following which he will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further management of his injury,” the statement added.

"The men's selection committee has named Ravi Bishnoi as his replacement. The men's selection committee has also added Shreyas Iyer to the T20I squad for the first three matches as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma."

What impact will Washington Sundar’s absence have on Team India?

The Indian camp is not concerned about Washington's absence from the T20 series against New Zealand. Several all-rounders are scheduled to join the team next week, including Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma, and Shivam Dubey. Axar Patel is also returning, serving as vice-captain in both the New Zealand series and the T20 World Cup. However, the team has suffered another setback. In addition to Washington, Tilak Verma will also be unavailable for the first three T20 matches after undergoing surgery for a groin injury.

Will the return of Shreyas Iyer boost the batting order?

The return of Shreyas Iyer, who has been out of the shorter format team for a long time, will provide stability to the middle order. He has earned this opportunity due to his recent good form in domestic cricket. Bishnoi, considered one of the world's best T20 spinners, has been included as Sundar's replacement.

India's T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravi Bishnoi