Ayush Badoni replaces injured Washington in India squad, with the latter ruled out of the series with a rib injury.
Due to a rib injury sustained during the series opener in Vadodara, India all-rounder Washington Sundar will not play in the ODI series against New Zealand. Ayush Badoni, an uncapped batter, has been substituted.
Midway through the New Zealand innings, Washington, who bowled five overs for 27 runs, left the pitch and did not return on Sunday. He then batted at No. 8 as India won by four wickets, despite the discomfort.
“Washington Sundar reported an acute onset discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on Sunday,” a BCCI statement said on Monday. He will undergo further scans, following which the BCCI Medical Team will seek expert opinion.”
The 26-year-old Badoni was called up to international cricket for the first time. He averages 36.47 with 150 with 27 List A games played. He has been attempting to get ready for scenarios when he will have to bat down the order and even contribute with a few overs of offspin, despite his primary role as a batter.
In three innings, Badoni has bowled 22 overs for Delhi in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. At an economy rate of 3.59 and an average of 19.75, he has taken four wickets. Although he hasn’t done much with the bat this season, he has had success playing at No. 5 or lower in the past.
Washington is the third Indian player to sustain an injury. Tilak Varma will miss the first three Twenty20 Internationals owing to a groin injury that necessitated surgery, while wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the ODI series due to a side strain last week.
After India’s victory on Sunday, ODI skipper Shubman Gill provided an update on Washington. “Washington Sundar has a side strain and will go for a scan after the match,” he said at the post-match presentation.