Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticized the team management for allowing an injured Washington Sundar to bat in the first ODI against New Zealand. Sundar, who sustained a rib injury, was sent in at number 8, impacting his partner KL Rahul and risking further injury. Kaif contrasted this with the protection given to Shubman Gill when he was injured, questioning the inconsistent approach. Sundar has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series.