Washington Sundar has given the India National Cricket Team a sudden scare after picking up a back sprain during the ongoing three-match ODI series opener against New Zealand in Vadodara.
Washington Sundar hurts back during 1st IND vs NZ ODI
Washington Sundar was not seen completely comfortable with the ball in the ongoing first ODI against New Zealand. The off-spinner was sent only five overs, where he conceded 27 runs, and then didn’t 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 visible pain, forcing the support staff to step in immediately. Later, Sundar was taken off the field and didn’t return to bowl against the Black Caps in Vadodara, raising concerns over his fitness.
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‘Washington Sundar under medical observation’
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 will be hoping it is nothing serious.
A Revsportz journalist posted on X: “Washington Sundar sprained his back while bowling. He is under medical observation as per the comms.”
Washington Sundar sprained his back while bowling. He is under medical observation as per the comms. https://t.co/xXnXcZjyP2
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) January 11, 2026
No BCCI update on Washington Sundar injury, questions raised on workload management
The BCCI is yet to release any statement on Sundar’s injury, while many fans have been blaming the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for this breakdown, 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 started showing its color. However, the spinners could not make much impact in Vadodara, as Kuldeep Yadav got only one wicket, while Ravindra Jadeja didn’t get a single wicket in his nine overs.
Fast bowlers were on the roll, with Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishan each getting two wickets against the Black Caps in the ongoing first ODI in Vadodara on Sunday.
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To get to 300 on a slower wicket is pleasing: Daryl Mitchell
Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell’s brilliant knock of 84 runs has helped New Zealand set a competitive total of 300 runs on the board in their 50 overs against India. Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls have also smashed brilliant fifties on the two-paced surface.
Mitchell said during the innings break as quoted by Cricbuzz, “As a group the way we scrapped our way to that total on this surface gives us something to bowl at. Yeah, you always want more as a team. We did lose a couple of wickets in the middle, but I thought the partnerships we built were important. To get to 300 on a slower wicket, especially for us as Kiwis, is pleasing. Now it’s about getting out there with energy and 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 chose to bowl first as India takes on New Zealand in the opening ODI at Vadodara. India went with six bowlers and made several changes to the playing XI. Gill also returned to the team after recovering from the injury that forced him to miss the previous ODI series against South Africa.
Notably, the Kotambi Stadium is hosting its first-ever men’s ODI. This is also the first men’s international match in Vadodara after 15 years.