With T20 World Cup 2026 just days away, starting February 7, all eyes are on Washington Sundar’s injury recovery. The Indian selectors show no haste in naming a replacement, as the all-rounder undergoes rehab at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence following a rib knock in Vadodara’s ODI opener against New Zealand on January 11.
Defying pain, Sundar walked out to bat, scoring an unbeaten 7 and clinching a 4-wicket win for India. Reports indicate the committee awaits comprehensive details from COE before deciding. By Thursday, he was still central to team management and selectors’ strategies.
COE’s trainers and physios will have the last word, anticipating full fitness ahead of the tournament. Echoing this positivity, skipper Suryakumar Yadav noted after the New Zealand T20I sweep that Sundar is back to nets for batting and bowling. ‘Looking forward to him rejoining the squad,’ he added.
India hit the ground running in warm-ups, smashing South Africa by 30 runs with 240/6 on board. Namibia awaits on February 6, setting the stage for the USA clash at Wankhede on opening day.
This saga underscores India’s depth yet highlights Sundar’s irreplaceable value. As COE updates trickle in, the nation ponders: will the leg-spin wizard dazzle in the World Cup spotlight once more?