IND vs NZ: who replaces injured Washington Sundar? Here is India’s playing XI for the Rajkot ODI
In today’s day second ODI against New Zealand at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, Team India faces major blow as premier all-around player Washington Sundar was excluded from the shock. After India’s hard-fought victory in Vadodara, the team management confirmed that Sundar would not be available for the remainder of the series. In the game, the New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell won the toss and chose to go first.
Who replaces injured Washington Sundar in 2nd ODI IND vs NZ? Here is India playing XI for Rajkot
In a major blow to the hosts moments before match preparation, the The BCCI revealed that star all-rounder Sundar would miss the meeting with Rajkot. Captain Shubman Gil confirmed that Sundar, who played a vital role in helping India cross the line in the first ODI, has been ruled out after suffering an acute rib injury.
The injury occurred during the opening match in Vadodara, where Sundar complained of discomfort in his lower left rib while bowling. His absence forced a tactical shake-up, leading to a first ODI call-up for the explosive Delhi hitter Ayush Badoniwho joins the team as a direct replacement. Beyond his off-spin, Sundar’s composure in the lower-middle order is a major lack for India, as he has become a key ‘finisher’ and a bridge between the top order and the tail. The team opted for a fast bowling all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy to fill the immense general void.
“One change, Nitish replaces Washington.” » said Gill at the toss.
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (w), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
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New Zealand’s tactical shake-up and Jayden Lennox’s debut
The Rajkot match became a platform for New Zealand’s redemption, including the debut of the left-arm spinner. Jayden Lennox. Lennox was included in the playing XI to replace Adithya Ashokas the Black Caps look to exploit any potential turn on the Rajkot surface. Despite losing the first game of the series, the Kiwis retained their core of players. Devon Conway And Daryl Mitchellcounting on Lennox to provide the “X factor” in intermediates.
“We only made one change: Jaden Lennox comes in and makes his debut.” » Bracewell said during the toss.
India’s lineup today is uniquely structured, looking slightly light in terms of spin-bowling depth without Sundar’s economical overs, leaving Kuldeep Yadav with the heavy responsibility of anchoring the intermediates on a batter-friendly Rajkot track. With the series on the line, the second ODI is less about previous records and more about whether New Zealand’s revamped bowling attack can dismantle India’s ‘big three’ or whether the hosts will continue their winning streak at home.
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