India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has hit a pause button, with Washington Sundar’s injury. What was initially described as a simple side strain has now been flagged as more complicated, leaving the national selectors and team management scrambling for contingency plans just weeks before the tournament begins.
Sundar, ruled out of both the ongoing ODI series and the upcoming T20Is against New Zealand, is expected to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru this weekend. Medical experts want another week before giving a clear recovery timeline, but sources admit the window is tighter than previous expectation.
India are now thinking whether to carry him into the T20 World Cup squad in the hope he becomes available for the later stages, or name a replacement before the January 31 cut-off. According to the Times of India, a BCCI source has indicated that the dilemma can only be solved with patience.
“As of now, the selectors and the team management have to think about a backup plan. There is a strong possibility Washington may not be fully fit for the initial stages of the World Cup. A call on his participation in the entire tournament can be discussed after a thorough report by the medical team.”
“Since India mostly play associate nations in the first round of matches, there could be a case for not naming a replacement at all, giving him enough time to recover for the business end of the tournament. One must remember that he is not expected to start in the XI even when he is fit.”
India to prepare Plan B for T20 World Cup 2026
India can only prepare for life without Washington Sundar if the BCCI’s medical team fear worse. With India’s group stage matches locked up against most of the associate nations, India can take the risk of taking an injured Sundar into the tournament. But this will only happen if the medical team would be sure about Sundar’s progress.
India’s spin plans for the T20 World Cup are already stacked around Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Sundar was seen as the flexible fourth option who could bat, bowl in the powerplay and add value with his flexibility. Losing him would not break the structure, but it would certainly narrow India’s tactical range. India would’ve certainly fielded him against sides who boast multiple left-handers.
However, if Sundar’s injury turns out to be worse than expected, India have a couple of options to look at. Riyan Parag comes to mind. He may not be as skilful in terms of traditional off-spin but is a far better equipped T20 batter. However, he is himself awaiting clearance after shoulder rehabilitation at the CoE but it hasn’t stopped him from posting his recent training videos on social media.
Nitish Kumar Reddy remains in the mix due to the team’s long-term investment in him, while Ayush Badoni, currently with the ODI squad, has emerged as a surprise dark horse as well. Two left-arm spin options in Shahbaz Ahmed and Krunal Pandya are also in the hunt.
Sundar is not the only concern. Tilak Varma, who underwent emergency abdominal surgery last week, is ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand, and the management is cautiously waiting for him to return to match intensity. As of now, the BCCI and the Indian team management have to play the waiting game for both the injured players.
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