Riyan Parag Called Up As India Plan Warm-Up Before T20 World Cup 2026

India planned a final warm-up match on February 4 to assess backup options amid injury concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

With no official warm-up matches scheduled before the T20 World Cup begins on February 7, the Indian cricket team is planning to organise a preparatory game on February 4 to assess its resources one final time. The move comes in light of injury concerns surrounding key players, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and selectors keen to be fully prepared before the global event.

According to a report by The Times of India, the team management is exploring backup options as Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma continue to recover from their respective injuries. Sources indicated that the BCCI is considering either a warm-up match against South Africa or an intra-squad fixture involving India A players.

The Indian squad is set to assemble in Mumbai on February 2, and if plans materialise, the warm-up match will be held at the Brabourne Stadium. It is also understood that the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has been instructed to prepare Riyan Parag, who is currently recovering from a shoulder injury, in case he is required for the match.

“Washington’s recovery from the side strain is taking longer than expected. The selectors are preparing for a situation where he is unable to be fit in the initial matches of the World Cup. Tilak’s recovery has been good. His return to play is being chalked out at the moment.

The team management is confident he will be in prime shape by the second match on Feb 12. The selectors want the team to settle down by the match against Pakistan in Colombo on Feb 15,” a BCCI source said.

Riyan Parag Is A Like-For-Like For Washington

For the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, the selectors named Ravi Bishnoi as Washington Sundar’s replacement, while Shreyas Iyer was recalled in place of Tilak Varma for the first three matches. Bishnoi featured in the third T20I in Guwahati, while Iyer remained on the bench throughout. The BCCI has not yet confirmed Tilak’s availability for the final two T20Is in Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram.

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Team changes for the World Cup can be made until January 30, although the tournament’s technical committee can approve injury replacements even after the competition begins. Sources further revealed that Riyan Parag is scheduled to play two simulation matches on January 28 and January 30 before being assessed by the CoE on January 31. He has been advised to be ready to report to Mumbai on February 2.

The selectors remain most concerned about Washington Sundar’s fitness, as he has suffered an injury to a muscle running from the ribs to the lower back. Officials are cautious about rushing him back, as it could also impact his availability for the Indian Premier League. While Parag is viewed as a like-for-like replacement, the selectors are expected to consider other options once the warm-up match takes place.