Washington Sundar Likely To Be Ruled Out Of Second Phase Of IPL 2021 After Sustaining Finger Injury In Warm-Up Match In England

Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Washington Sundar is likely to miss the second half of the IPL 2021, which is to be played in the UAE in September-October, due to a finger injury that he picked up during the three-day practice match.

Washington Sundar was playing for the County Select XI against the Indians in the warm-up match earlier this week in preparation for the Test series against hosts England starting next month.

Now, the youngster is not only set to be ruled out from the Test series but there is also a doubt over his availability for the remainder of IPL 2021. He is expected to return to Chennai in the coming days.

According to a report in the New Indian Express, Washington Sundar has been advised to complete rest for the next one month and then he can start his rehabilitation. The report also added that the 21-year-old may even be needed to undergo surgery after the T20 World Cup as the injury could have an extended effect on his career. To avoid any further injury before the T20 World Cup, he could be rested from IPL.

In the first half of the tournament, which was played in India, Washington Sundar featured in 6 matches for RCB where he managed just three wickets, but was impressive in his role of holding the runs by leaking at an economy of 7.38.

Reportedly, the off-spinner first had discomfort in his finger in June and was advised rest by the BCCI medical team. However, his participation in the practice match meant he has recovered from the injury, but it seemed to have only aggravated during the game; he even didn’t bowl a single over in India’s innings, but did come out to bat for County Select at number 4.

After returning to Chennai, he will report to the National Cricket Academy, where he would undergo rehabilitation. The all-rounder has had a bright start to his Test career – he has scored 265 runs at 66.25 with three fifties, and was a key contributor in India’s win in Brisbane.

Team India hit by injuries in England

The Indian has suffered a couple of other blows even before the Test series has begun. Shubman Gill has returned back home due to a leg injury; Avesh Khan also sustained an injury in the warm-up match. Add to it, captain Virat Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane are recovering from a stiff back and swelling in the left hamstring respectively, thus they missed the practice match.

It is also reported that Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw, both of whom are in Sri Lanka for the limited-overs series, will be sent to England as replacements for the injured players.

Also Read: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Won’t Be Pushed To Play Test Cricket Before T20 World Cup: BCCI Source