T20 World Cup 2026: Washington Sundar set to be dropped from India squad? Check details
The T20 World Cup is just around the corner, and the upcoming edition will start on February 07. The defending champions, India, are looking like hot favorites to retain the title. However, Team India is still suffering from a couple of injury concerns, especially Washington Sundar. He suffered with a side strain, which was sustained in the 1st ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara.
Now, some reports suggest that the National Selection Committee will wait for Washington’s return. The World Cup is just starting in 2 days, and no replacement has been announced yet. It means the selectors are waiting for BCCI Centre of Excellence’s updates regarding Washington Sundar’s injury. At the time the BCCI had said,
"Washington Sundar underwent scans after reporting an acute onset of discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on 11 January.
It's still quite difficult to say how long the team management and selectors will have to wait for Sundar's return. However, one thing is clear: the management is in no hurry to find a replacement for Sundar. The final decision will be made only after receiving reports from the trainers and physiotherapists at the Centre of Excellence. Sundar is a very important player for the team, and the management seems to be taking its time to ensure his full recovery. After Sundar's injury, Ravi Bishnoi was given an opportunity in the New Zealand series as his replacement.
"This was followed by an in-person consultation with an expert. He has been diagnosed with a side strain and has been advised to rest for a few days, following which he will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) for further management of his injury."
After the conclusion of the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand, Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav also provided an update on Washington Sundar.
"I think Washington Sundar is also doing well. We spoke to both of them yesterday (Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar). Tilak is much better. Washington has almost started his bowling and batting. So he is also looking good. Hopefully, we get him back soon."
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, on February 5, the captain addressed the Washington Sundar situation again during Captains' Day. He said,
“We spoke to Washington Sundar; he is almost there. We are willing to be patient with him.”
India will start their World Cup campaign against the USA on February 07. Following this, India will face Namibia on Feb 12, Pakistan on Feb 15, and the Netherlands on Feb 18. There is definitely a possibility that Sundar will recover soon and join the World Cup squad. If that weren't the case, the management would have already announced Sundar's replacement by now.
