T20 World Cup 2026: BCCI awaiting medical update on Washington Sundar

With just a few days to go before India’s title defence gets under way, the BCCI selection committee and the team management are huddled in uncertainty over all-rounder Washington Sundar's availability for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, but for now, the cricketer remains in contention for a spot in the squad, despite not being match-ready.

Sundar, 26, has been sidelined since suffering a side strain during India’s first ODI against New Zealand on January 11. He missed the subsequent T20I series against the Kiwis and has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

"Washington Sundar underwent scans after reporting an acute onset discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on 11 January."

"This was followed by an in-person consultation with an expert. He has been diagnosed with a side strain and has been advised rest for a few days, following which he will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) for further management of his injury,” the BCCI had stated after his injury.

According to Cricbuzz, the selectors have not yet planned to replace him, instead opting to wait for a final medical assessment from the CoE team before making any call. As of February 5, the Tamil Nadu cricketer fully remains a part of the Men in Blue's World Cup plans, with no immediate decision on injury replacement.

Sundar’s absence from the warm-up game against South Africa has fuelled speculation over his fitness timelines, but the board appears cautious about ruling him out prematurely. If Sundar is ultimately declared unfit, the selectors could look at options like Ravi Bishnoi and Riyan Parag to replace him in the squad for the upcoming multi-national event.

India’s injury woes continue, Harshit Rana walks off vs South Africa

The Suryakumar Yadav-led side faced South Africa in the warm-up clash at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, on February 4. The Men in Blue faced an injury scare as star pacer Harshit Rana left the field after bowling just one over. He was seen limping off after facing some issues in his knees. The Delhi pacer conceded 16 runs in the only over he bowled. There has not been any further update provided regarding his injury.

Team India will face the USA on February 7, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, in a Group A encounter to kick-off their campaign in the twenty-team tournament.