Washington Sundar has been withdrawn from India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against West Indies, with the selectors opting to give the all-rounder more red-ball preparation ahead of the Test series against New Zealand.
Sundar is currently part of India’s Asian Games campaign in Japan. He was initially included in the squad for the West Indies T20Is, but with the Ranji Trophy season beginning on October 11, the selectors want him to return to domestic cricket and get valuable time in the longer format.
India’s two-Test series against New Zealand begins in Wellington on November 19. The decision is aimed at giving Sundar enough red-ball cricket before what is expected to be a demanding Test assignment.
Naman Dhir gets T20I call-up As A Replacement of Washington Sundar
Naman Dhir has been named as Sundar’s replacement in the T20I squad.
Dhir is yet to make his international debut in the shortest format, although he has considerable experience in domestic and franchise cricket. He has scored 1,222 runs in 61 T20s at a strike rate of 156.26, while also picking up eight wickets.
Dhir recently made his ODI debut against West Indies in Trivandrum, adding another step to his progression at the international level.
His inclusion gives India another batting option with the ability to contribute with the ball, although Sundar’s off-spin and experience will be missed from the squad.
Anshul Kamboj added for Chandigarh ODI
India have also made a change to their squad for the third ODI against West Indies in New Chandigarh.
Fast bowler Anshul Kamboj has been called up in place of Prasidh Krishna, who has been ruled out of the match with a hamstring injury.
Krishna will now travel to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to begin his rehabilitation.
Kamboj has already represented India in Test cricket, making his debut in Manchester last year. However, he is yet to make his international debut in either of the two white-ball formats.
The fast bowler is currently with India A, featuring in the unofficial Test series against Australia A in Puducherry. His call-up comes as India assess their options ahead of the third ODI.
With Sundar now set to focus on red-ball cricket and Kamboj joining the ODI group, India’s selection decisions underline the importance being placed on preparation for the upcoming Test assignments while the team’s limited-overs calendar continues.
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