India’s T20 World Cup 2026 build-up has finally received the kind of news the team management was waiting for. After weeks of uncertainty around Washington Sundar’s rib injury, captain Suryakumar Yadav has offered a clear and encouraging update that suggests the all-rounder is right on track for the global event.
Sundar, who missed the entire five-match T20I series against New Zealand after suffering a side strain during the ODI in Vadodara on January 11, has been under close supervision at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. While earlier reports suggested he could miss the opening World Cup fixtures, the latest developments point towards a far more positive timeline.
Washington Sundar injury update by Suryakumar Yadav
Speaking after India wrapped up the series 4-1 against New Zealand, Suryakumar confirmed that Sundar has resumed both bowling and batting in under supervision. The India skipper sounded optimistic, hinting that the all-rounder’s comeback may not be far away.
“I think Washington Sundar is also doing well. We spoke to both of them yesterday. Tilak is much better. Washington has almost started his bowling and batting. So he is also looking good. Hopefully, we get him back soon,” Suryakumar said while speaking to reporters in Trivandrum.
This update is similar to what the team management has been quietly hoping for. Sundar’s injury had earlier been diagnosed as an internal oblique muscle tear with a mild fracture, which required enough recovery time. The fact that he is now back bowling, even in a limited capacity, is seen as a major step forward.
The news comes after Tilak Varma has been confirmed to play in the T20 World Cup 2026 after passing fitness tests at BCCI CoE. Varma also missed the entire New Zealand series just like Sundar but will turn up in the warm-ups. Sundar might not as he may take a few more days.
India won’t replace Sundar
With the World Cup starting on February 7, India are in no rush to make a panic call. Sundar remains a valuable option because of his ability to bowl in the powerplay, control the middle overs, and contribute handy runs down the order. Those skills are difficult to replace like-for-like.
While there were reports that the BCCI is readying Riyan Parag as option ‘B’, the move might not be needed as of now. As for Parag, he himself as recovered from his injury and has passed the fitness tests.
The plan, as it stands, is to assess Sundar after the final fitness checks at the CoE and during the warm-up phase. Even if Sundar is not match-ready for the first game or two, India are prepared to wait, especially with injury replacements permitted during the tournament.
India & India A’s T20 World Cup warm-up schedule
| Date | Teams | Venue | Local Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2 | India A vs USA | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | 5:00 PM |
| February 4 | India vs South Africa | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| February 6 | India A vs Namibia | CoE, Bengaluru | 5:00 PM |
