India’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have been slightly disrupted by fitness concerns, with Washington Sundar unlikely to be available for the team’s opening Group A match against the United States of America. According to a Cricbuzz report dated February 5, the spin-bowling all-rounder is still recovering from an injury sustained during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11.
Despite the setback, the Ajit Agarkar-led senior men’s selection committee is not actively looking for a replacement, signalling the management’s faith in Sundar’s value to the squad. Sundar’s importance to India’s T20 plans goes beyond raw numbers, though his record is impressive. The 26-year-old has scored 254 runs and claimed 51 wickets in 55 T20I appearances, offering balance as a reliable powerplay bowler and a handy lower-order batter.
Team sources indicate that selectors are waiting for detailed updates from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) before making any call on his availability. As of now, Sundar remains firmly in the team management’s plans for the T20 World Cup 2026, with optimism that he could return to full fitness in time for the latter stages of the tournament.
ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav Breaks Silence On India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Match Standoff
Cricbuzz reported that the team is willing to give Sundar additional time to recover, with the final call resting on the advice of the CoE’s trainers and physios. The lack of urgency to draft a replacement suggests India is keen to prioritise experience and versatility, especially in conditions where spin-bowling all-rounders can play a decisive role.
#India To Wait For #WashingtonSundar‘s Recovery, No Update On #HarshitRana‘s Injury: Report#T20WorldCup2026 https://t.co/X3rDEFLOHq
— News18 CricketNext (@cricketnext) February 5, 2026
Meanwhile, India was also dealt a minor scare during their T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4. Young fast bowler Harshit Rana left the field after bowling just one over, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the tournament. However, the BCCI and selectors have reportedly played down fears of a serious injury, with no indication at this stage that Rana’s participation in the World Cup is in jeopardy.
With the tournament approaching, India’s medical updates will be closely monitored, as squad stability can be just as important as form in a high-pressure global event.
ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Playing Conditions, Rules and Tournament Format Explained
India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh
