Star all-rounder's injury scare clouds India’s preparation ahead of IND vs WI 1st Test: Reports

Team India’s build-up to the IND vs WI 2025 first Test hit a hurdle as Washington Sundar picked up a finger injury in practice. His availability remains uncertain.

Team India (Image Credit: BCCI)

India’s training session on the eve of the opening Test against West Indies didn’t go as smoothly as planned, with all-rounder Washington Sundar giving the team management a serious fitness concern. The off-spinning all-rounder, who has cemented his place as a utility player across formats, reportedly hurt his finger while going through intense net drills.

Reports suggest that Sundar was seen in visible discomfort and had to step aside from a portion of the session. While the medical staff provided him immediate attention, questions are now being raised over his participation in the series opener. For India, the timing could not be worse, as Sundar’s all-round skills have often provided the much-needed balance between bat and ball in red-ball cricket.

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India’s think tank will be keeping a close watch on how quickly he recovers. With the Test series being a crucial part of the season calendar, the team cannot afford to take chances with player fitness. However, the squad does have backup options in spin-bowling all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, who can step in if Sundar fails to recover in time.

What Washington Sundar’s absence could mean for India?

Should Sundar miss the first Test, India would lose a versatile cricketer who contributes both with economical bowling spells and useful lower-order runs. His role has often allowed the team to play an extra seamer or specialist batter without compromising balance. Without him, India may need to adjust their playing XI, possibly relying more on Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin or adding depth through Jadeja’s dual skills.

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The opening Test match of the two-game series is scheduled to begin on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With West Indies expected to test India with their young pace attack, clarity over Sundar’s availability could influence the final team combination. For now, fans and selectors alike will be hoping the injury is only a minor setback and not a major blow to India’s campaign.

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