Goa, Oct. 1 -- Washington Sundar has been withdrawn from India's upcoming five-match T20I series against West Indies, with the selectors opting to give him time to prepare for the longer format ahead of the Test series against New Zealand.

Sundar is currently representing India at the Asian Games in Japan. He will now return to domestic cricket, with the Ranji Trophy season scheduled to begin on October 11.

The selectors want Sundar to get some red-ball cricket under his belt before India's two-Test series against New Zealand. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Wellington on November 19, making match practice particularly important as the team prepares for the longer-format assignment.

Naman Dhir has been named as Sundar's replace...