The Indian cricket team has suffered a significant setback ahead of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, as star all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out due to an injury. His absence comes after the ongoing three-match ODI series between the two nations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi will replace Sundar in the squad, while On top of that, in another development, Shreyas Iyer has been called up for the initial three T20Is to cover for the injured Tilak Varma.
Washington Sundar's Injury Setback
Washington Sundar sustained a side strain during the first One-Day International against New Zealand on January 11 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, while he experienced sharp pain in the lower part of his ribs while bowling, which prompted a scan. The scan confirmed the side strain, and he has been advised a period of rest, while following this, Sundar is expected to report to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (NCA) for further treatment and rehabilitation. His unavailability is a considerable blow to the Indian team, as his all-round capabilities, combining off-spin bowling with valuable lower-order batting, provide crucial balance to the squad.
Ravi Bishnoi's Opportunity
With Washington Sundar sidelined, young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has been drafted into the Indian T20I squad, while bishnoi is known for his deceptive googlies and quick leg-breaks, having already showcased his talent on the international stage. This call-up presents a golden opportunity for him to make a significant impact in the upcoming series against New Zealand and solidify his place in the national team, while his inclusion will bolster India's spin attack, offering a different dimension, especially in the absence of an all-rounder like Sundar.
Shreyas Iyer Replaces Injured Tilak Varma
In another injury-related development, Tilak Varma, who was hospitalized and underwent. Surgery, is expected to be out of action for approximately a month. Consequently, the BCCI had already excluded him from the initial three T20Is against New Zealand, while to fill this void, experienced middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer has been selected for the first three matches of the T20I series. Iyer's inclusion will provide much-needed stability and experience to the batting lineup, particularly in the crucial middle overs.
Iyer's T20I Performance
Shreyas Iyer made his T20 International debut for India in 2021. Since then, he has played 51 T20I matches, accumulating a total of 1104 runs, including 8 half-centuries. Iyer is renowned for his aggressive batting style and his ability to perform under pressure, while his presence in the squad will add depth and a seasoned campaigner to the middle order, which could prove vital against a strong New Zealand side.
India's T20I Squad for New Zealand Series
The updated Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand is as follows: Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer (for. The first three T20I), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ishan Kishan, Ravi Bishnoi. Despite the injury concerns, the team appears to be a strong and balanced unit, featuring a blend of promising young talent and experienced players. The team will be aiming to deliver a stellar performance against New Zealand on home soil.