Washington Sundar has handed the India National Cricket Team an unexpected fitness scare after suffering a back sprain during the first ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium on Sunday. The all-rounder, who has been a regular across all three formats for India in recent months, was visibly uncomfortable while bowling and was forced to leave the field midway through New Zealand’s innings.
Sundar bowled just five overs in the series opener, conceding 27 runs, before being taken off as a precaution. Television cameras caught him grimacing in pain, prompting India’s support staff to intervene quickly. He did not return to complete his spell, with the rest of the bowling duties shared among India’s other spinners and fast bowlers, immediately sparking concerns over his availability for the remainder of the three-match ODI series.
According to a report from Revsportz on X, Sundar has been diagnosed with a back sprain and is currently under medical observation. “Washington Sundar sprained his back while bowling. He is under medical observation as per the comms,” the post read. While the BCCI is yet to release an official update, the Indian camp will be hoping the injury is minor and does not rule him out of action for long.
WATCH – Harshit Rana’s Overconfidence Leads To Costly Run Before Match-Winning Redemption
The timing of the injury has also reignited debate around workload management, with many fans pointing fingers at head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Sundar has been featuring in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is with little rest, and this latest setback has only added weight to concerns about burnout and player rotation in a packed international calendar.
Washington Sundar sprained his back while bowling. He is under medical observation as per the comms. https://t.co/xXnXcZjyP2
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) January 11, 2026
On a day when Sundar was sidelined, India’s fast bowlers carried the bulk of the workload. Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna all picked up two wickets each, keeping the Black Caps in check during key phases. The spinners, however, struggled to make an impact, with Kuldeep Yadav claiming just one wicket and Ravindra Jadeja going wicketless in his nine overs.
New Zealand still managed to post a competitive total of 300 in their 50 overs, thanks largely to a composed 84 from Daryl Mitchell. Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls also struck fluent half-centuries on what was a two-paced surface. Speaking at the innings break, Mitchell said the Kiwis were pleased to reach 300, especially given the nature of the pitch.
WATCH – Shreyas Iyer’s Direct Hit Floors Bracewell In Crucial India vs New Zealand ODI
Earlier in the day, Shubman Gill won his first toss of 2026 as India’s ODI captain and opted to bowl first, returning to the side after recovering from the injury that ruled him out of the South Africa series. The match also marked a historic occasion, with Kotambi Stadium hosting its first-ever men’s ODI and Vadodara welcoming international men’s cricket for the first time in 15 years.
