IND vs NZ: 3 players who could replace Washington Sundar if he is ruled out of the ODIs

Washington Sundar sustained a side strain in the first ODI between India and New Zealand.

Indian Cricket Team showed their might against New Zealand Cricket Team in the first encounter of the ongoing three-match series. The hosts outplayed the BlackCaps by four wickets by chasing down a mammoth 301-run target. Virat Kohli, who rocked the field with his 93-run knock, won the Player of the Match award for his crucial role in the chase.

However, India suffered a big blow in the clash as Washington Sundar sustained a side strain. In the first innings, he bowled five, and left the field. Although he didn’t return to bowl, he came to bat in the second innings to score an unbeaten seven runs.

With Sundar suffering from a side strain, he is highly likely to be ruled out of the remainder of the tournament. It will be a big blow to the Men in Blue and they will need a powerful all-rounder to replace Sundar in the squad. On that note, below are three players who can replace Washington Sundar if he is ruled out of the New Zealand ODIs.

IND vs NZ: 3 players who could replace Washington Sundar if he is ruled out of the ODIs

1. Axar Patel

Axar Patel is the first player who is highly likely to be picked if Sundar is ruled out of the New Zealand ODI series. Playing for Gujarat in Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26, he gave a wonderful form with both bat and ball.

The 31-year-old played two games in the one-day domestic tournament, smacking a century and a half-century against Andhra (130) and Odisha (73). He also picked a two-wicket haul against Andhra before going wicketless against Odisha. His last ODI game was against Australia in October 2025 in Sydney.

2. Shahbaz Ahmed

Shahbaz Ahmed is another all-rounder who impressed with his performance in VHT 2025-26. Representing Bengal, he played seven games in the tournament, piling up 390 runs with one century and three half-centuries.

Against Hyderabad, he hammered an unbeaten 108 runs in a losing cause. The 31-year-old also clinched six wickets while bowling, including a best bowling show of 2/51 against Chandigarh. Ahmed has featured in three ODIs so far, with his last appearance coming against Bangladesh in December 2022.

1. Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya is another good option to fill Sundar’s vacancy in India’s squad. The Baroda captain put up 321 runs in seven games at an average of 53.50 in VHT 2025-26, hammering one century and two half-centuries.

With the ball, he stole six wickets across seven games, including a three-wicket haul against Bengal. Pandya has been aiming for his national comeback since 2021, with his previous ODI game against Sri Lanka in July 2021.

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