Team India all-rounder Washington Sundar recently shared a light-hearted message on social media, joking about receiving criticism from his friends for not watching the Tamil blockbuster Jailer 2. The Rajinikanth-starrer, which hit theatres worldwide on October 15, has enjoyed a successful run at the box office.

Taking to his Instagram story on Friday, October 30, Sundar humorously suggested that he had not realised his friendships came with a deadline to watch the film. His playful remark quickly caught attention, offering fans a glimpse of the cricketer’s off-field personality. Meanwhile, Sundar is currently part of India’s A squad for the three-match red-ball series against New Zealand A.

In the opening match, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder scored 0 and 52 with the bat. He also contributed with the ball, returning figures of 1/29 and 1/26 across the two innings. The second unofficial Test is scheduled to begin at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday. Sundar’s performances in the series are particularly important as he prepares for India’s upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, for which he has been included in the squad.

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Washington Sundar was initially selected for India’s five-match T20I series against the West Indies. However, the selectors later withdrew him from the squad to provide an opportunity to play red-ball cricket for Tamil Nadu in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.

The decision was taken with India’s upcoming Test assignments against New Zealand in mind. Naman Dhir was subsequently named as Sundar’s replacement in the T20I squad.

The BCCI explained the decision in an official statement: “The Senior Selection Committee, in consultation with the team management, has decided to withdraw Washington Sundar from India’s squad for the T20I series against the West Indies. The decision has been taken in view of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. With the Ranji Trophy season commencing on October 11, Washington will get an opportunity to play red-ball cricket for his state team and prepare for the Test series.  Naman Dhir has been named as his replacement in the T20I squad.”

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Sundar remained unbeaten in Tamil Nadu’s only innings against Rajasthan in his Ranji Trophy appearance and claimed three wickets across two innings.