India all-rounder Washington Sundar is set to undergo a crucial fitness test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on February 4, just three days before India begin their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
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The 26-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a side strain during the ODI against New Zealand on January 11 and subsequently missed the entire T20I series. With Sundar regarded as a vital cog in India’s balance, offering control with the ball and depth with the bat, the team management is keen to give him as much time as possible to recover.
Washington Sundar’s fitness under watch
According to a report in The Times of India, Sundar’s recovery has taken longer than initially expected, but the Indian team is prepared to wait for a definitive medical update before considering a replacement. While squads had to be finalised by January 30, injury replacements are permitted during the tournament, keeping India’s options open.
India will hold their first training session for the World Cup on February 3 and play a warm-up match against South Africa the following day. At this stage, a replacement appears unlikely, but if the need arises, Riyan Parag, currently part of the India A squad for World Cup warm-up matches could emerge as a potential backup option.
Notably, during a simulation match at the CoE on Wednesday, Tilak Varma and Riyan Parag featured, while Sundar did not. A BCCI source indicated that caution remains the priority.
“Washington’s injury needs to heal naturally before he gets back into the return-to-play process,” the source said.
The source added that India may be willing to wait even beyond the early stages of the tournament if Sundar regains fitness later.
“If Washington can be fit for the latter stages of the World Cup, the team may wait for him,” the source noted.
India begin their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7, with the team hoping their versatile all-rounder will be available to strengthen both departments as the tournament progresses.
