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Washington Sundar will not be part of India’s upcoming five-match T20I series against West Indies, with the BCCI deciding to withdraw the all-rounder from the squad and give him a chance to play domestic cricket instead.
The BCCI confirmed the decision on Thursday, with Naman Dhir named as Sundar’s replacement in India’s T20I squad. The five-match series is scheduled to begin on October 6 in Lucknow.
This is not an injury-related change. Sundar has been withdrawn because India are already looking ahead to their next Test assignment against New Zealand, and the team management wants him to get some proper red-ball cricket under his belt.
Sundar to Return to Ranji Trophy
According to the BCCI, Sundar will get an opportunity to play for his state team when the Ranji Trophy season begins on October 11.
The decision comes with India preparing for their Test series against New Zealand, making red-ball game time important for Sundar.
It also shows that India are already thinking beyond the current white-ball series. The West Indies T20Is will begin on October 6, but Sundar's focus will now shift towards preparing for the longer format.
Sundar has been part of India's recent T20I setup and was originally included in the squad announced for the five-match series.
Naman Dhir Gets Another Chance
Naman Dhir now comes into the T20I squad after being part of India's ODI setup against West Indies.
The 25-year-old had received his maiden ODI call-up for the West Indies series and made his international debut in the second ODI in Guwahati. He also had a chance to show what he can do with both bat and ball during India's huge chase of 406.
Now he gets another opportunity, this time in the T20I format.
Dhir has been a familiar name in India's white-ball selection discussions and has impressed in domestic cricket as well as the IPL. His ability to contribute in the middle order gives India another option in the T20I squad.
India’s T20I Series Against West Indies
The first T20I will be played in Lucknow on October 6, followed by matches in Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
The change also comes just days after India completed a 2-0 lead in the ODI series against West Indies, with the third ODI scheduled for October 3.
For Sundar, though, the immediate priority is now clear — get some red-ball cricket, build match fitness and prepare for India's upcoming Test assignment.
For Naman Dhir, it is another opportunity to make his case in the India setup.
