Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has said that the Indian team can afford to retain star all-rounder Washington Sundar in their T20 World Cup 2026 squad, even if he isn’t available from the beginning of the tournament. He also added that the spin-bowling all-rounder won’t be missed as much as he could have been because India have a lot of other players with a similar skill set.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Bangar said, “At this moment, it doesn’t seem like he will be required straightaway because, overall, you have very good spin all-rounders. Axar Patel is top of the list over there. As Aakash Chopra said, you also have the option of Tilak Varma, who can also bowl off-spin. So his absence will not be felt as much as it could have been, and because of that, I feel he will be given a little more time and it should be given as well. You can take a replacement mid-tournament as well, if he is not available at all.”

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However, former India opener Aakash Chopra also added that the selectors can wait to take a call on Washington Sundar as well.

“If he had been a part of the starting XI, for example, had it been Axar Patel or Varun Chakaravarthy, you would have had to take a call now. However, since Washi plays only conditions-applied, if you get left-handers in the opposition or the pitch is like that, you can wait for him,” he said.

“So I am with Sanjay (Bangar) that there is no issue for the first 13 days. Three matches will keep happening every day and the first group will get over till then. You have to be available for the Super Eights. You cannot say that he will be available for the semi-finals if he is not available for the Super Eights. That’s a bridge too far. I won’t go till there,” Chopra concluded.