Washington Sundar unfit, forced by Gautam Gambhir to play T20 World Cup 2026

Gautam Gambhir wants Sundar to get fit for T20 WC 2026 [Source: AFP]

After securing a victory in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, India are gearing up for the T20 World Cup 2026. While most of their first-choice players are fully fit and raring to go, Washington Sundar has yet to recover from a rib injury that sidelined him from the home series against New Zealand. 

As the spin-bowling allrounder heads to the BCCI Centre of Excellence to facilitate his recovery process, a reliable report reveals that Sundar is highly unlikely to play India's first T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against the United States, scheduled on February 7, at Wankhede Stadium. 

Washington Sundar doubtful for 1st T20 World Cup match vs USA

Indian spin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar complained of serious pain and discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling in the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11. The off-spinner could deliver only five overs and subsequently missed the T20I series due to the injury. 

He consulted with an expert and was advised rest after being diagnosed with a side strain. Although he has arrived at the CoE for rehabilitation, Sundar also has some trouble with his rib. 

According to a TOI report, Washington Sundar batted for 30 minutes in a net session at the CoE. Despite returning to cricketing action in the nets, Sundar has reportedly sustained a mild rib fracture, which could further delay his comeback to the Indian team. 

Therefore, given that India will play their first T20 World Cup match on February 7, Sundar is highly unlikely to recover before the tournament opener against the United States. However, he still pretty much remains in India's T20 World Cup plans based on data and match-ups. 

Gautam Gambhir-led Indian management wants Sundar to get fit for T20 World Cup

Despite struggling with a side strain and mild rib fracture, Washington Sundar has yet to be excluded from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, the reason being India's fascination with his off-spin bowling. Apparently, the Gautam Gambhir-led team management wants an off-spinner, whom they can utilise to counter opponents with multiple left-handed batting options. 

Given that India don't have a like-for-like replacement for Sundar, they are playing the waiting game instead of discarding the allrounder for the T20 World Cup. The co-hosts have also roped in Ravi Bishnoi, who can take the ball away from left-handers, thereby fulfilling India's quest for having a formidable spin department for the tournament. 

While Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy remain India's frontline spinners, Washington Sundar can definitely add immense value to the table with his off-spin and batting abilities. 

Although team India is closely monitoring Sundar's progress, Ravi Bishnoi is simultaneously getting game time by playing the T20I series against New Zealand. It's worth noting that India can make changes to their T20 World Cup squad by January 31. 

Washington Sundar's T20I career and stats

Washington Sundar has played 58 T20Is for India, scoring 254 runs at a strike rate of 134.4. He has scalped 51 wickets at a superb economy of 6.92, signifying his prowess as an asset for the Men in Blue in the shortest format.