Washington Sundar had become a key feature in the Indian team across formats, all thanks to his all-rounder profile.
However, he has been out of action since the India vs New Zealand ODI at Vadodara’s BCA Stadium, having sustained an injury related to an onset discomfort in his lower rib area.
He was also named in India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad, but no updates on his recovery have been provided officially by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) just yet.
That said, a report by Times Of India states that Sundar could undergo a fitness test on February 4, 2026 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, and that the team management will wait for an ‘official medical update’ before figuring out any backup plans.
Will Washington Sundar Return For T20 World Cup?
An anonymous BCCI source was quoted in the said report stating this about Washington Sundar’s recovery:
“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,” they continued.
Tilak Varma is another highly important player for India in T20Is, who is also sidelined at the moment due to an injury. However, he reportedly featured in a simulation match at the BCCI Centre Of Excellence on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Shreyas Iyer had replaced Tilak for the India vs New Zealand T20I series, but is yet to play a game. On the other hand, Washington Sundar was replaced by Ayush Badoni for the ODI series, and by Ravi Bishnoi for the T20I series.
While Badoni didn’t get any game time, Bishnoi has played few games and even impressed with his performance, taking a couple of wickets.
Having said that, it should also be noted that Bishnoi came into the playing XI for Axar Patel, who got injured during the first IND vs NZ T20I clash.
