Washington Sundar's Injury Raises Concerns for T20 World Cup 2026
Washington Sundar's Injury Update
Washington Sundar's rib injury has sidelined him from the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. If he does not recover in time, the team may need to consider alternative players.
Impact on T20 World Cup 2026
As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, starting on February 7, Team India faces a significant setback with Sundar's injury. He sustained the injury while bowling but managed to bat during India's four-wicket victory over New Zealand in Vadodara.
According to a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sundar reported discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling. He will undergo further scans, and the medical team will consult specialists regarding the severity of his injury. In light of this, Ayush Badoni has received his first call-up to the national team.
Potential Replacements for Sundar
If Sundar is unable to participate in the T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup, here are four players who could step in:
1. **Krunal Pandya**: The Baroda all-rounder is a strong candidate to replace Sundar, offering similar batting and bowling capabilities. Although he hasn't played for India since 2021, he has been performing well in domestic cricket, scoring 321 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26, including a century and two fifties.
2. **Riyan Parag**: Currently recovering from a shoulder injury, Parag was ruled out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Despite a challenging performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he has a solid T20 record with 3168 runs and 48 wickets in 143 matches. If fit, he could provide valuable middle-order runs and spin bowling.
3. **Shahbaz Ahmed**: Another viable option is Bengal's Shahbaz Ahmed, who can contribute as a left-handed batter and a spin bowler. He was previously called up to the Indian team in December 2025 and excelled in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 390 runs at an impressive average of 130.00.
4. **Nitish Kumar Reddy**: Although he was not selected for the T20 World Cup, Reddy is seen as a promising all-round talent. He has demonstrated his skills in domestic T20 cricket, including a hat-trick in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His ability to bowl pace and hit in the lower order makes him a potential replacement if a different balance is needed.