IND vs NZ 2026: Washington Sundar Ruled Out of New Zealand ODIs, Ayush Badoni Earns Maiden India Call-Up

Washington Sundar has been officially ruled out of the remaining two matches of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand due to injury. The all-rounder picked up the issue during the first ODI played in Vadodara on Sunday.

Sundar suffered what the team management described as an acute onset discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling. The injury has been diagnosed as a side strain, which has forced him out of action for the rest of the series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed the development through a media advisory on Monday, January 12, 2026. The statement added that Sundar will undergo further scans, after which the BCCI medical team will take expert opinion on his recovery plan.

Despite feeling discomfort, Sundar showed grit in the opening ODI. He walked out to bat at number eight and stayed unbeaten, playing a calm hand as India chased down the target to win the match by four wickets.

India have named Ayush Badoni as Sundar’s replacement in the ODI squad. The uncapped Delhi batter, who can also bowl off-spin, has received his maiden call-up to the Indian national team.

Badoni is set to join the rest of the squad in Rajkot, which will host the second ODI on Wednesday, January 14. The young player has impressed in domestic cricket and the IPL, and this selection gives him a chance to break into the senior setup.

Sundar’s injury adds to India’s growing list of fitness concerns in the series. He is the third player to be sidelined, after similar injury setbacks to Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma earlier in the tour.

With two matches still to play, India will hope there are no further fitness issues as they look to build momentum against New Zealand.