India have finally received clarity on Washington Sundar’s fitness, with the all-rounder set to join the T20 World Cup squad in Delhi ahead of the February 12 group match against Namibia. After weeks of rehab and cautious monitoring, the update is that Sundar’s recovery is on schedule and that the team management’s decision to wait has paid off.
Sundar has not played a competitive game since the ODI series against New Zealand, where he injured himself while bowling in the first match in Vadodara on January 11. The injury forced him to miss the remainder of the ODI series as well as the five-match T20I leg. There were doubts if he will feature in the T20 World Cup 2026 or not.
When will Washington Sundar return?
The update was confirmed by India captain Suryakumar Yadav after the win over the USA in Mumbai, where he indicated there were no lingering concerns. Washi (Washington Sundar) is joining us in Delhi. He’s good. Everything is fine,” said Suryakumar Yadav, who won the Player of the Match award after his career-best innings at the Wankhede Stadium.
Sundar has been rehabilitating at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where his workload was increased gradually. He resumed batting first before moving on to spot bowling, with the medical staff wary of pushing him too early. The BCCI revealed that Sundar suffered a side strain along with a mild rib fracture, which delayed his return to full fitness.
India’s management resisted the temptation to make a hasty replacement despite the uncertainty. Ayush Badoni replaced him in the two ODIs. Ravi Bishnoi was brought in during the New Zealand T20I series, and Riyan Parag was considered as a backup option, but neither move was treated as final. With injury replacements permitted during the tournament, India chose to wait, especially given Sundar’s unique value as a powerplay bowler and a reliable lower-order batter.
With injury replacements allowed during the tournament, India have managed to buy themselves time. Sundar joining the squad in Delhi doesn’t guarantee an immediate return to match action, but it does signal that his World Cup campaign is very much alive.
