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Sundar Injury Rocks India's T20 Series

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, January 12th 2026 at 3:24 GMT by TheHealthSite

Guwahati, India - January 12th, 2026 - India's T20 series against England has been immediately impacted by a fresh injury concern for Washington Sundar. The all-rounder sustained a side strain during the first match in Guwahati, forcing him to leave the field prematurely and prompting immediate scans to assess the severity of the damage. This unfortunate incident throws a spotlight on a particularly brutal reality for cricketers who contribute with both bat and ball: the devastating impact of side strains.

Side strains, while relatively common across the cricketing world, present a uniquely difficult challenge for all-rounders. Unlike specialist batsmen or bowlers, all-rounders rely heavily on the same core muscle groups for both their batting and bowling actions. A side strain compromises those core muscles, potentially impacting performance in both disciplines. The injury effectively disrupts the delicate balance and contribution that a versatile player brings to a team.

The Core Connection: Why Side Strains Hit All-Rounders Hard

Young Indian batsman Shubman Gill recently elaborated on this issue, explaining the biomechanical reasons behind the specific vulnerability of all-rounders. "The core muscles are absolutely vital for cricketers, but particularly so for those who contribute with both bat and ball," Gill explained. "A side strain often stems from a sudden, explosive movement--think the exertion of a powerful drive or the forceful action of delivering a ball. These actions demand significant power and stability from the core. As an all-rounder, you're constantly pushing those muscles to their limit, meaning they're more prone to injury when things aren't quite right."

The problem lies in the interconnectedness of the movements. A weakened core can lead to altered batting technique to compensate, which in turn places even more stress on the already damaged muscle, creating a vicious cycle. Similarly, a side strain affecting bowling power impacts accuracy and can force a bowler to alter their delivery stride, risking further injury.

What Now for Sundar and the Indian Team?

The Indian team management is understandably anxious, awaiting the results of Washington Sundar's scans. A minor strain could mean a relatively short absence, but a more severe injury could keep him sidelined for weeks, significantly disrupting India's team balance for the remainder of the series and potentially beyond. The absence of a reliable all-rounder can create a gap in the batting lineup and a crucial void in the bowling attack, forcing tactical adjustments and potentially impacting match outcomes.

India will now need to consider alternative options to fill Sundar's role, which includes valuable lower-order hitting and useful, if not spectacular, spin bowling. Identifying a suitable replacement who can offer both batting depth and bowling versatility will be a key challenge for the team.

A Recurring Pattern of Injury?

This latest setback isn't an isolated incident for Washington Sundar. He has a history of grappling with injuries throughout his career, including previous stints sidelined due to finger and shoulder problems. This recurring pattern raises concerns about his long-term durability and highlights the importance of meticulous recovery protocols and preventative measures. Careful management and potentially adjustments to his training regimen might be necessary to mitigate the risk of future injuries. The team's medical staff will be crucial in developing a tailored rehabilitation plan that prioritizes not just a return to play, but a sustainable and injury-free future for the talented all-rounder. Ultimately, Sundar's ability to consistently contribute to the Indian team hinges on his ability to overcome these frustrating injury hurdles.