Washington Sundar Replacements- Players Who India Can Pick For T20Is

Washington Sundar's place in India T20I squad is in danger (Source: AFP Photos)

Washington Sundar might have had a decent IPL 2026 with the Gujarat Titans under Shubman Gil, but he was primarily used as a batter throughout the season. And his influence with the ball decreased significantly, as his only over against Ireland on Friday spoke volumes.

Even though the Gujarat Titans don’t require Sundar’s bowling, mainly because there is an impact substitute rule, there are no such regulations in the international cricket. For India in T20Is, Sundar has always been projected as a genuine spin-bowling all-rounder.

Since making his T20I debut in 2017, Sundar has played 61 T20Is for India. Unfortunately, he has not made any exceptional record in the format, neither with the bat nor with the ball.

To make matters worse, Sundar’s irresponsible shot in Belfast during India vs Ireland 1st T20I raised an alarm, giving an indication that the time has come for the BCCI to look beyond him.

[Washington Sundar In T20Is]

Keeping in mind that the next T20 World Cup is in 2028, let’s take a look at the Washington Sundar replacements for the BCCI, who can potentially earn a place in India’s squad at the mega event.

Players Who Can Be Washington Sundar Replacements

3. Anukul Roy

Anukul Roy won the Player Of The Tournament award for Jharkhand during the last Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s premier T20 domestic competition. 

In addition, he did a decent job for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with the ball in hand during IPL 2026, coupled with a few important knocks with the bat whenever required, helping him get a call from the BCCI selectors.

[Anukul Roy Stats]

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Let’s not forget the fact that Sundar plays mostly at No. 4, something that India don’t require for T20Is. Instead, a profile like Anukul, who plays primarily as a spinner and can be handy with the bat as well, fits the bill among potential Washington Sundar replacements.

2. Harsh Dubey

With a profile very similar to Anukul's, Harsh Dubey has been with the India A squad for a while now. He has already received his senior India call-up from the BCCI for the Tests, having been part of the squad for the one-off Afghanistan Test as well as for the ODIs of late.

In addition, Pat Cummins, the SRH captain who has seen considerable success as a leader in a short period, preferred him heavily during IPL 2026. Hence, Dubey, too, can be a decent option as Washington Sundar replacement for India’s T20I squad.

[Harsh Dubey Stats]

1. Krunal Pandya

The ideal replacement for Washington Sundar in the Indian team would be Krunal Pandya, who played only 19 T20Is between 2018 and 2021. Given how consistent he has been with the ball in hand for RCB for the past two editions, the 35-year-old can surely be a good fit for the short term for India, with an eye on the T20 World Cup 2028.

Even though RCB have a chance to retain Krunal Pandya as an uncapped player for not playing international cricket for more than five years, just as CSK did for MS Dhoni, it would be best for the BCCI not to think twice before recalling Krunal, who deserves more than anyone.

Moreover, Krunal can bat a little bit higher as well, depending on the situation or a sudden collapse. He had quite a few similar instances for RCB, and got success more often than not.

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