Team India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remaining matches of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named Sundar’s replacement in the ODI squad, but left-arm spinner Axar Patel was not considered for selection.
Sundar suffered “acute discomfort in the lower part of the left rib” while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday. The left-handed batsman will now be scanned further. Notably, the BCCI medical team will consult experts to assess the injury and decide the next steps.
Ayush Badoni has been named in place of Washington Sundar for the second ODI.
The BCCI selection committee on Monday, January 12, named Ayush Badoni as the replacement for Washington Sundar in the ODI squad. Badoni has been called for the first time in the Indian team and the Delhi batsman will join the team in Rajkot for the second ODI.
Sundar bowled five overs in the first ODI and gave away 27 runs at an economy rate of 5.40 without taking any wicket. However, he walked off the field and did not return to bowl his remaining overs.
He also contributed with the bat during the chase. Sundar came in when India needed 22 runs to win and batted with KL Rahul to lead the team to victory with six balls to spare. He remained unbeaten after scoring 7 runs on 7 balls.
The Tamil Nadu cricketer got a lease of life at the end of the innings when Aditya Ashok dropped a simple catch off the bowling of Zakari Foulkes in the 48th over.
Debate erupts among fans over Axar Patel’s exclusion from home ODI series after Sundar’s injury
Many fans were surprised when Axar Patel was not selected for the home ODI series despite Washington Sundar’s injury. Despite performing well against Australia earlier, questions have increased due to Akshar’s omission in the recent series.
Axar Patel was part of the Australia series and put in solid performances, but the selectors have preferred Ravindra Jadeja in the squad for South Africa and New Zealand. Jadeja’s batting form has declined, while Axar’s overall game continues to improve.
Axar’s bowling has been in strong shape over the past year and he has also worked on his batting, especially against fast bowlers. He averages over 23 with the bat, bowls at an economy rate of under 4.50 and has taken 75 wickets in 71 matches.
Why was Axar Patel not named as Washington Sundar’s replacement?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India did not explain why Axar Patel was not selected as a replacement after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the ODI series. It is believed that the team management may have decided to rest Akshar ahead of the T20 World Cup and avoid any injury risk.
India is already struggling with many injuries. Before the first match, Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the ODI series due to a side strain while batting in the nets.
Tilak Verma has also been ruled out of the first three T20 matches against New Zealand after undergoing surgery for a stomach problem in Rajkot. The second ODI match will be played on Wednesday 14 January at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
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