Washington Sundar has given a sudden scare to the India national cricket team after suffering a back sprain during the opening match of the ongoing three-match ODI series against New Zealand in Vadodara.
Washington Sundar injured his back during the first IND vs NZ ODI
In the ongoing first ODI against New Zealand, Washington Sundar did not appear completely comfortable with the ball. The off-spinner was sent only five overs, where he conceded 27 runs and did not return to bowl, with the rest of the Indian attack sharing the responsibility.
The Indian all-rounder felt discomfort while bowling and was seen in pain, forcing the support staff to take immediate action. Later, Sundar was taken off the field and did not return to bowl against the Black Caps in Vadodara, raising concerns over his fitness.
Also read: Harshit Rana’s overconfidence cost him dearly and he became a ‘joker’ in the first ODI against New Zealand.
‘Washington Sundar under medical supervision’
Now, it has emerged that Sundar is currently under medical observation, with doctors keeping a close eye on his condition. More clarity on the severity of the sprain is expected after further assessment, but for now, India are hoping it is nothing serious.
A RevSportz journalist posted on Twitter: “Washington Sundar sprained his back while bowling. According to com, he is under medical observation.”
Washington Sundar sprained his back while bowling. According to Com, he is under medical observation. https://t.co/xXnXcZjyP2
– Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) 11 January 2026
No update from BCCI on Washington Sundar’s injury, questions raised on workload management
BCCI is yet to issue any statement on Sundar’s injury, while many fans are blaming Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for the injury as the all-rounder has been playing continuous cricket without any proper workload management.
Sundar has been playing for India in all three formats of the game and now the burnout has started showing its true colours. However, the spinners could not make much of an impact in Vadodara, as Kuldeep Yadav got only one wicket, while Ravindra Jadeja did not get a single wicket in his nine overs.
Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna took two wickets each against the Black Caps in the first ODI in Vadodara on Sunday. The fast bowlers were on the roll.
ALSO READ: Bangladesh umpires to officiate independently in India vs New Zealand ODI as BCB cries foul over ‘security threat’
It’s nice to reach 300 on a slow wicket: Daryl Mitchell
Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell’s brilliant inning of 84 helped New Zealand post a competitive score of 300 in 50 overs against India. Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls have also scored impressive fifties on the two-speed surface.
“The way we as a group made our way to that score on this surface gives us something to bowl at. Yes, as a team you always want more. We lost a few wickets in the middle, but I thought the partnerships we built were important. Getting to 300 on a slow wicket, especially for us as Kiwis, is pleasing. Now it’s about going out there with energy and It’s about seeing what we can do with the ball.”
International cricket returns to Vadodara after 15 years
Earlier, Shubman Gill won the first toss of 2026 and elected to bowl first as India take on New Zealand in the opening ODI in Vadodara. India went with six bowlers and made several changes in the playing eleven. Gill also returned to the team after recovering from the injury that ruled him out of the previous ODI series against South Africa.
Notably, the Kotambi Stadium is hosting its first men’s ODI. This is also the first men’s international match in Vadodara after 15 years.
