The Indian cricket team faces a tense wait as all-rounder Washington Sundar battles against time to be fit for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sundar is scheduled to undergo a definitive fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on February 4, just three days before India’s tournament opener against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium.
The off-spinning all-rounder has been sidelined since January 11, when he suffered a side strain during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. While initial assessments suggested a minor strain, subsequent scans revealed a muscle tear near the ribs at the back, a condition that requires natural healing before high-intensity activity can resume.
The Status of Sundar’s Recovery
Recent reports from the CoE indicate that while Sundar has started low-intensity batting—facing throw-downs for about 30 minutes on Wednesday—he is still experiencing tenderness in the rib area. Crucially, he has not yet resumed bowling, which is the most taxing activity for a side strain.
- Simulation Absence: While other recovering players like Tilak Varma and Riyan Parag participated in a match simulation at the CoE on January 28, Sundar was restricted to light drills.
- The “Waiting Game”: Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav are reportedly desperate to have an off-spinner in the squad to counter left-handed heavy lineups. A BCCI source noted that the team might even carry Sundar into the tournament and wait for him to become fit for the later stages, such as the high-profile clash against Pakistan on February 15.
Potential Replacements: Riyan Parag and Ravi Bishnoi
With the ICC’s January 30 deadline for squad changes looming, the selection committee is preparing contingency plans. If Sundar is officially ruled out following his February 4 test, India can apply for an injury replacement through the tournament’s technical committee.
- Riyan Parag: Viewed as the most “like-for-like” batting all-rounder, Parag has recovered from a recent shoulder injury and successfully cleared a Yo-Yo fitness test. He has been asked to report to Mumbai on February 2.
- Ravi Bishnoi: Already part of the T20I series against New Zealand, Bishnoi is seen as a tactical alternative. While he is a leg-spinner, his ability to take the ball away from left-handers makes him a strong candidate for the “match-up” role Sundar was expected to play.
Tilak Varma Set to Return
In more positive news for the squad, young batter Tilak Varma is nearing full fitness. After undergoing surgery for testicular torsion in mid-January, Varma has progressed well in his rehabilitation. He is expected to join the Indian team in Mumbai on February 3 and will likely feature in the warm-up match against South Africa on February 4 at the DY Patil Stadium.
The Indian squad is scheduled to assemble in Mumbai for their first official training session on February 3, where the final picture regarding the tournament’s 15-member roster will finally become clear.
