India's cricket team has suffered another setback as all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain. This comes as a fresh blow after wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was sidelined with a similar injury just before the series.

Sundar sustained the injury during the first ODI in Baroda on Sunday. He bowled five overs in the first innings, conceding 27 runs without taking a wicket, and then left the field, with Dhruv Jurel substituting for him. Despite the injury, Sundar came out to bat, scoring a valuable 7 not out off 7 balls to help India secure a tense victory. Shubman Gill confirmed after the game that Sundar would undergo a scan.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet officially confirmed Sundar's withdrawal or announced a replacement. However, a source within the BCCI confirmed to the Times of India that Sundar would miss the remaining two ODIs in Rajkot and Indore.

This injury raises concerns about Sundar's fitness for the upcoming T20 World Cup in February. Sundar is a part of India's T20 World Cup squad, and his absence would be a significant setback for the team. It is currently uncertain if Sundar will be available for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on January 21 in Nagpur.

Sundar's injury adds to India's growing injury list. Besides Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar, Tilak Varma is also unavailable for the first three T20Is against New Zealand due to a groin injury that required surgery. Dhruv Jurel has already been named as Pant's replacement in the ODI squad. The BCCI is expected to announce Sundar's replacement soon.