India are taking a calm and measured approach over Washington Sundar’s availability for the T20 World Cup 2026, with selectors choosing patience instead of panic. With the tournament just days away, Sundar remains part of India’s plans, even though he is yet to regain full match fitness.
The 26-year-old all-rounder has been recovering from a side strain (rib injury) suffered during the first ODI against New Zealand in January. Since then, he has been under close medical supervision and rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Why India Are Willing to Wait
Despite Sundar missing the recent warm-up match against South Africa, the selection committee has not moved to name a replacement. The final decision depends entirely on medical feedback from trainers and physiotherapists at the Centre of Excellence.
Team management believes Sundar still has a window to return, especially with his workload being managed carefully. The selectors are convinced that if Sundar is cleared, even slightly later into the tournament, his impact could outweigh a rushed last-minute replacement.
Rehabilitation Progress So Far
Sundar’s recovery has shown steady improvement:
- Completed four batting sessions
- Bowled four overs of spot bowling
- Scheduled for additional bowling load assessment
- Fitness tests focused on rib stability and strain tolerance
The medical team is closely monitoring how his body responds to bowling intensity before making a final call.
Washington Sundar’s Importance to India’s Balance
Washington Sundar offers rare flexibility:
- Reliable powerplay spinner
- Handy lower-order batter
- Allows better balance between batters and bowlers
- Useful on slow and two-paced surfaces
In major tournaments, such players are difficult to replace tactically. That is why the selectors are prepared to wait until the very last moment for medical clearance.
Washington Sundar – T20I Career Snapshot
| Matches | Runs | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 254 | 51 | 3/22 |
What If Sundar Is Ruled Out?
While no replacement has been announced yet, India do have options if required. However, selectors are not keen on altering combinations unless medical advice leaves no alternative.
For now, Sundar continues rehab, stays with the squad environment, and remains firmly in the World Cup frame.
No Immediate Panic Over Other Injuries
Concerns were briefly raised after Harshit Rana left the field during a warm-up match, but there is no serious injury update so far. The team’s primary focus remains on Washington Sundar’s fitness.
The next 48 hours are crucial. The selectors will rely purely on medical assessment rather than speculation. Until then, Washington Sundar remains very much part of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey.
India’s handling of the situation reflects confidence, depth, and trust in their medical systems — a sign of a team thinking long-term rather than reacting under pressure.
