IND vs NZ: Side strain rules Washington out of New Zealand T20I series, question marks over World Cup availability

India all-rounder Washington Sundar’s side strain has ruled him out of the upcoming of the five-match T20 series against New Zealand starting next Wednesday.

Washington suffered discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday. Subsequently, he was ruled out of the three match ODI series.

According to reports, the 26-year-old won’t be able to recover in time for the five match T20 series beginning in Nagpur.

“Washington Sundar has been ruled out from T20 series vs NZ due to side strain,” a BCCI official told PTI.

Washington’s injury puts question mark over his participation in the T20 World Cup, beginning February 7.

Tilak Varma too is out of the first three T20s versus New Zealand due to a groin injury that required surgery.

With inputs from PTI

Published on Jan 14, 2026