Washington Sundar of India plays a shot during the 1st ODI match between India and New Zealand at Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Vadodara, India, on January 11, 2026. (CREIMAS for BCCI)
India all-rounder Washington Sundar suffered an injury scare and will undergo a scan after picking up a side strain during the first ODI against New Zealand here on Sunday.
The 26-year-old, who bowled five overs for 27 runs, walked off midway through the New Zealand innings and did not return to field. Despite the discomfort, he later came out to bat at No. 8 and played a key role in India’s successful run chase for a four-wicket win.
“Washington Sundar has a side strain and will go for a scan after the match,” India captain Shubman Gill said at the post-match presentation.
Washington scored seven not out and added an unbeaten 27-run stand off 16 balls with KL Rahul (29 not out) as India chased down the target, finishing on 306 for six in 49 overs.
Rahul saif he was unaware of the severity of Washington’s injury during the partnership.
“I didn’t know he couldn’t run. I knew he had some discomfort in the first innings but wasn’t aware of the extent,” Rahul said. “He was striking the ball really well,” he said.
“When he came in, we were already scoring at about a run-a-ball, so there was no need to take risks. There wasn’t much pressure on him. He rotated the strike and did his job.”
Virat Kohli struck a 91-ball 93 while captain Shubman Gill made 56 as India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first ODI to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.
Kohli smashed eight fours and one six during his magnificent innings to help India overhaul the target of 301 with six balls to spare. Shreyas Iyer chipped in with 49 as India reached 306 for 6 in 49 overs.
For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson returned with fine figures of 4 for 41 from his 10 overs, while Adithya Ashok and Kristian Clarke got one wicket each.
Earlier, Indian bowlers, especially pacers Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj, bowled probing line and length but Daryl Mitchell struck a fine counter-attaching half-century to guide New Zealand to 300 for 8.
Harshit (2/65), Siraj (2/40) and Prasidh Krishna (2/60) got two wickets apiece while Kuldeep Yadav got one.
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