The road to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup just got a lot bumpier for Team India. In a significant setback, key all-rounder Washington Sundar is facing an uphill battle to be fit for the start of the tournament, as his side strain has been diagnosed as more serious than initially anticipated .
This news has sent shockwaves through the Indian camp. Sundar isn’t just another player; he’s a linchpin of their T20 strategy, offering a rare and valuable combination of economical left-arm spin and dependable lower-order batting. His potential absence in the initial group-stage matches would leave a massive tactical void that the selectors are now racing to fill. The pressure is on to find a suitable replacement who can seamlessly slot into a finely balanced squad.
Table of Contents
- The Severity of the Washington Sundar Injury
- Why Sundar is So Crucial to India’s T20 Plans
- Potential Replacements Under Consideration
- Broader Injury Concerns for the Indian Squad
- The Tight Timeline and Next Steps
- Sources
The Severity of the Washington Sundar Injury
Initial reports suggested a minor niggle, but further medical assessments have revealed a more complex issue. A side strain, particularly for a bowler, can be a tricky and recurring problem that requires careful management to avoid long-term damage . The primary concern for the BCCI’s medical team is not just getting him back on the field, but ensuring he is match-fit and can handle the intense workload of a global tournament without risking a re-injury.
The current prognosis indicates that while a full recovery is expected, it may not happen in time for the opening fixtures of the T20 World Cup. This has forced the team management to prepare for a scenario where Sundar is either unavailable or can only be used as a limited-overs option later in the competition, once he has regained full fitness and bowling rhythm.
Why Sundar is So Crucial to India’s T20 Plans
Washington Sundar’s role in the Indian T20 setup goes far beyond his statistics. He provides the perfect balance to a top-heavy batting lineup and a pace-dominated bowling attack. His ability to bowl four overs of tight, containing spin in the middle overs is a critical asset, especially on pitches that offer some assistance to the slower bowlers.
Moreover, his batting adds a layer of depth that allows the likes of Hardik Pandya or Axar Patel to play with more freedom. He’s a genuine all-rounder in the truest sense—a player who contributes significantly with both disciplines. Losing him would force the team to either play an extra batsman (weakening the bowling) or an extra bowler (making the batting more fragile), disrupting the delicate equilibrium that is essential for T20 success.
Potential Replacements Under Consideration
With Sundar’s participation in doubt, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is actively reviewing a shortlist of candidates who could step into his shoes. The ideal candidate needs to replicate his unique skill set as closely as possible. The frontrunners include:
- Ravi Bishnoi: A leg-spinner with excellent wicket-taking ability, though he doesn’t offer the same batting depth.
- Kuldeep Yadav: An experienced wrist-spinner who is already in the squad, but adding him as a second specialist spinner might unbalance the attack.
- Shahrukh Khan: A hard-hitting batter who can bowl a few useful off-spin overs, providing a different kind of balance.
- Yuzvendra Chahal: A proven T20 performer, but his selection would likely come at the expense of another frontline pacer.
Each option presents its own set of trade-offs, making this one of the most difficult selection dilemmas the team has faced in recent times.
Broader Injury Concerns for the Indian Squad
Sundar’s situation is not an isolated incident. The article also hints at other “looming” injury concerns within the squad . In the high-intensity world of modern cricket, managing player workloads is a constant challenge. The fear of a last-minute injury to another key player, like Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammed Shami, is a nightmare scenario for any team heading into a major tournament. This underscores the importance of having a deep and versatile bench strength.
The Tight Timeline and Next Steps
Time is the most precious commodity right now. The final squad submission deadline to the ICC is fast approaching, and the team needs to make a definitive call on Sundar’s status. The next week will be critical. He will undergo intensive rehabilitation, and a final fitness test will likely determine his fate.
If he fails to prove his match readiness, the selectors will have to move swiftly to name his replacement. This unexpected twist has added a layer of uncertainty to India’s campaign, but it also presents an opportunity for another player to seize the moment on the grandest stage. One thing is certain: the Washington Sundar injury has thrown a major curveball into India’s T20 World Cup plans, and how they respond to it could define their entire tournament. Stay updated on all squad developments with our coverage on [INTERNAL_LINK:t20-world-cup-2026-squad-announcement] and [INTERNAL_LINK:india-cricket-team-news].