India opened the three-match ODI series against New Zealand with a convincing win, chasing down a challenging 301 and sealing victory by four wickets. Virat Kohli’s brilliant 93 earned him the Player of the Match award and set the tone for India’s chase.
Injury blow: Washington Sundar likely sidelined
The win came with a worrying development for India: Washington Sundar suffered a side strain during New Zealand’s innings. He managed to bowl five overs before leaving the field and did not return to bowl again, though he did come out to bat in the chase and finished unbeaten on seven.
Early indications suggest Sundar could be ruled out for the remainder of the series. Losing the all-rounder would be a setback for India’s balance — his ability to contribute with both bat and ball is important in the middle overs — so the selectors will need a like-for-like option or a combination that preserves depth in batting and spin options.
Who could replace Washington Sundar?
Here are four players who could step in if Sundar is declared unavailable, with what they bring to the side and why they are plausible choices.
Axar Patel
- Why he fits: Axar is the obvious first-choice replacement for a spin-bowling all-rounder role. He brings international experience and has the batting depth to bolster the middle order.
- Recent form: In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 he impressed with the bat, scoring a century (130) and a fifty (73) in two matches. With the ball he picked up two wickets against Andhra but was wicketless in the game versus Odisha.
- Experience: Axar has been part of India’s recent ODI plans and last played an ODI in October 2025 in Sydney, giving him an edge in terms of international match readiness.
Shahbaz Ahmed
- Why he fits: Shahbaz offers attacking left-handed batting and useful off-spin, a combination that can provide flexibility in the middle overs.
- Recent form: He enjoyed a strong Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign (2025–26), scoring 390 runs in seven games, including a century (108) and three fifties. He also claimed six wickets, with a best of 2/51.
- Experience: Shahbaz has a few ODIs on his resume, though his last appearance came in December 2022. His domestic purple patch makes him a strong contender.
Krunal Pandya
- Why he fits: Krunal combines aggression with handy left-arm spin and has the leadership experience as Baroda captain. He can strengthen both batting and bowling options.
- Recent form: In VHT 2025–26 he scored 321 runs in seven matches, including a century and two fifties. He also took six wickets, highlighted by a three-wicket haul against Bengal.
- Experience: Krunal’s last ODI was in July 2021 against Sri Lanka, but he has been pushing for a comeback through consistent domestic performances.
Ayush Badoni
- Why he fits: While not a traditional like-for-like replacement, Badoni can provide aggressive middle-order batting and contributes some overs if needed. He is a younger option who offers energy and big-hitting potential.
- Career form: Across 27 List A matches he has 693 runs at about a 36.5 average and a strike rate above 93, with one century and five fifties. He has also taken 18 List A wickets.
- Recent form: His VHT 2025–26 outings were solid, and he could be considered if the team wants to add more batting firepower while covering part of Sundar’s all-round role.
What selectors will weigh
The choice will come down to balance. If India wants to maintain a spin-bowling all-rounder in the XI, Axar or Shahbaz are natural picks. Krunal gives a left-arm spin option plus extra hitting, while Badoni leans more toward strengthening the batting line-up.
Squad management will also consider matchups, pitch conditions and short-term fitness updates on Sundar before finalising a replacement. Expect a quick decision as the series moves forward and the team looks to protect its winning momentum.