India suffer major blow ahead of New Zealand T20Is

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled from January 21 to 31. 

The series is a key part of India's preparations for the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7.

Washington is reportedly recovering from a side strain he sustained during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara last week. The BCCI described the injury as an "acute onset discomfort in his left lower rib." 

It remains unclear whether this injury will affect his participation in the T20 World Cup. India's campaign kicks off against USA in Mumbai on the tournament's opening day.

The BCCI selectors have named Delhi batting allrounder Ayush Badoni as Washington's replacement for the ODI series. Whether Badoni will join the T20I squad has not yet been confirmed.

India, however, are unlikely to be overly concerned about Washington's absence for the New Zealand T20Is, as several allrounders are expected to join the squad next week. 

This includes Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel (vice-captain for both the T20 World Cup and the NZ T20Is), Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube.

Apart from Washington, Tilak Varma will also miss the first three T20Is after undergoing groin surgery.

India's Squad for the New Zealand T20Is:

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma (unavailable for first three games), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Ishan Kishan (wk).