India’s T20 World Cup 2026 plans have hit a small roadblock as Washington Sundar’s fitness is still in doubt. Washington Sundar got injured during the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11.
Washington Sundar’s fitness in doubt ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
However, the Indian all-rounder’s recovery is taking longer than expected because of a muscle tear near his ribs. So far, Sundar has not done any hard training or practice. The Indian cricket team management is waiting for the official medical report before making any decisions.
As reported by the Times of India, Washington Sundar will take a fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on February 4. This test will be done just three days before India’s first match on February 7 against the USA in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
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India’s full team training will start in Mumbai on February 3. They will also play a warm-up match against South Africa on February 4. If the Tamil Nadu off-spinner passes his fitness test, he could join the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up games.
Fitness test to decide Sundar’s T20 World Cup campaign
If not, the team management may use backup players. However, the report suggested that the team management and selectors are ready to wait for Washington’s official medical report before making any backup plans.
Though the T20 World Cup teams can make changes until January 30, injury replacements are also allowed during the tournament if the ICC approves.
While the BCCI has not officially shared the details of Sundar’s injury, the Indian all-rounder reportedly has a muscle tear near the ribs at the back, so the upcoming tests will show a clear picture of his recovery.
BCCI wants Washington Sundar to heal naturally
Meanwhile, Tilak Varma and Riyan Parag have already played practice matches at the BCCI CoE on Wednesday, January 28. Tilak is expected to join the main squad before the warm-up game. Sundar is being kept away from tough drills so his injury can heal naturally before he starts full training again.
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A BCCI source was quoted as saying by the Times of India: “Washington’s injury needs to heal naturally before he gets back to the return-to-play process. If Washington can be fit for the later stages of the WC, the team may wait for him.”
Even without Washington or vice-captain Axar Patel in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, India looks balanced. Riyan Parag is ready to fill in as a like-for-like replacement for Washington if needed. The management feels the team can perform well even without a spin-bowling all-rounder.
India’s warm-up and group fixtures at the T20 World Cup 2026:
February 2 – India A vs USA at Navi Mumbai
February 4 – India vs South Africa at Navi Mumbai
February 6 – India A vs Namibia at Bengaluru
February 7 – India vs USA at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
February 12 – India vs Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
February 15 – India vs Pakistan at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
February 18 – India vs Netherlands at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
