Washington Sundar (Source:X)In a significant development, India’s preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have suffered a major setback, as all-rounder Washington Sundar is racing against time to regain full fitness before the tournament begins on February 7. The World Cup will be played across India and Sri Lanka, with the final scheduled for March 8.According to a report by The Indian Express, Sundar needs at least two more weeks to fully recover from a rib injury he sustained during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. With the ICC deadline for squad changes set for January 31, the Indian team management faces a tough decision regarding his availability.When did Washington Sundar face injury?The injury occurred when Washington Sundar felt sharp pain in his lower left rib area while bowling and was forced to leave the field immediately. Medical scans later confirmed that the all-rounder had suffered a side strain. Although the injury was initially believed to be minor, further assessments revealed that it was more serious than expected.Showing great mental strength, Sundar returned to bat later in the match despite being in pain. He scored seven runs off seven balls and shared a small but important partnership with KL Rahul. However, the injury ruled the star player out of the remaining ODIs and the entire five-match T20I series against New Zealand.The BCCI later released an official statement confirming that Sundar experienced acute discomfort in his left lower rib while bowling. He has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.Washington Sundar’s T20 World Cup spot in doubtA BCCI source was quoted as saying that the medical team has advised Sundar to rest for another two weeks before making a full return.“He needs two more weeks to be completely fit. The medical team has advised him to rest for another two weeks. The senior selection committee and team management will have to take a call on whether to continue with him or have a replacement," the Indian Express quoted a BCCI source as saying.Who will replace Sundar if not recover before T20 World Cup?Washington Sundar has been a crucial player in India's T20 setup. Due to uncertainty around his recovery, the Indian selectors have kept leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi on standby as a precautionary option. If Sundar fails to recover in time, Bishnoi could be included in the final squad for the T20 World Cup.India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. The defending champions will begin their World Cup campaign on the opening day at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.Tilak Varma to recover before T20 WCMeanwhile, there is positive news for India as Tilak Varma is expected to be available for the World Cup. The young batter underwent abdominal surgery during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and was advised two weeks of rest. He is currently training at the CoE in Bengaluru and is likely to rejoin the squad before the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram.
