India go into the 2026 T20 World Cup as defending champions and strong favorites, with matches spread across India and Sri Lanka. But just a few days before the tournament, the team management is confronted with an important selection round around all-rounder Washington Sundar.
Sundar is part of India’s 15-man squad but is not yet fully fit after suffering a rib fracture during the ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. The injury has kept him under medical supervision during the final stages of preparations.
There has been steady progress in his recovery over the past week. Sundar has completed four batting sessions in rehab and has slowly started bowling again under supervision.
On February 2, he bowled four overs of spot bowling, an important step in testing his rib. Another bowling session is scheduled for February 4, which will play a major role in deciding whether he can handle the match intensity.
Only after that session will the team management make a final decision on his availability for the World Cup. For now, no replacement has been officially named as selectors await detailed medical reports.
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He added that the February 4 bowling session would assess whether the fractured area could handle the load after which the next steps in rehabilitation would be decided.
While Sundar’s fitness remains uncertain, there is some relief for India Tilak Varma returning from an injury. The left-hander scored a fluent 38 off 24 balls in a warm-up match against USA and looked at ease at the crease.
Tilak’s return strengthens India’s mid-range options, especially if the team is forced into a late change. His timing and confidence in the warm-up have caught the attention of the support staff.
If Sundar is ruled out, voters will have a few options on the table. Ravi Bishnoi offers a specialist leg-spin option, while Shreyas Iyer can add hitting depth if the balance needs to be adjusted.
India already have several spin options in the squad, including Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy. That depth gives the team some breathing room, even if a last-minute phone call is needed.
With the tournament just around the corner, all eyes are now on February 4 and Sundar’s final bowling Test.
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