The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a significant change to India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against the West Indies. All-rounder Washington Sundar has been withdrawn from the T20I squad, with Naman Dhir named as his replacement.

The decision comes as India begin preparing for their next red-ball assignment against New Zealand. With the Ranji Trophy season also set to begin on October 11, the selectors want Sundar to get valuable match practice in domestic cricket before the Test series.

Washington Sundar withdrawn from India’s T20I squad

Sundar was originally included in India’s 15-member squad for the five-match T20I series against the West Indies. However, the BCCI has now decided to release the all-rounder from the squad.

According to the board, the move has been made with the upcoming Test series against New Zealand in mind. Sundar is expected to return to domestic cricket and use the Ranji Trophy as an opportunity to sharpen his red-ball skills.

The timing is particularly important for Sundar, who has remained an important part of India’s plans across formats. His ability to contribute with both bat and off-spin makes him a valuable option, particularly in Test cricket where his bowling can provide an additional spin option.

Rather than keeping him with the T20I squad, the team management has opted to give him a longer preparation window for the upcoming Test assignment.

Naman Dhir gets maiden T20I call-up

The biggest beneficiary of the decision is Naman Dhir, who has been promoted into the T20I squad as Sundar’s replacement.

Dhir was already part of India’s squad for the ongoing ODI series against the West Indies. His inclusion in the T20I group now gives him an opportunity to make his mark in the shortest format at the international level. The BCCI had originally named Dhir in the ODI squad when India announced their white-ball teams for the West Indies series.

The 31-year-old all-rounder has been associated with Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL and has built a reputation as a useful middle-order batter who can also contribute with the ball.

His promotion to the T20I squad represents another step in his international career. He had already received his maiden India call-up for the West Indies ODIs, and the latest development means he is now in contention for a T20I debut.

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma reveals Ravindra Jadeja’s role in viral celebration after IND vs WI 2nd ODI

India’s updated T20I squad for West Indies series

The five-match T20I series is scheduled to begin on October 6 in Lucknow, with the remaining matches to be played in Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The series will conclude on October 17.

India’s updated T20I squad includes Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav and Naman Dhir.

The squad contains a mix of established international players and younger options, with Shreyas Iyer set to lead the side.

Also WATCH: Wanuja Sahan bowls Shreyas Iyer with a stunning delivery in Asian Games 2026