Washington Sundar Likely to Miss Initial T20 World Cup 2026 Games: Report

Washington Sundar was expected to miss India’s first two matches of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to a rib injury.

In a worrying development for the Indian cricket team, all-rounder Washington Sundar is likely to miss the first two matches of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to injury. The 26-year-old sustained the setback while fielding in Vadodara on January 11.

Washington Sundar experienced discomfort around his rib area during the match and did not bowl thereafter. He came out to bat briefly before being taken off for medical assessment. Subsequent examinations revealed an internal oblique muscle tear, and follow-up scans also showed a mild fracture.

Since the injury, Sundar has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. On Tuesday, he resumed batting practice in the nets for the first time, training for around half an hour. However, he reportedly felt slight pain and discomfort in the rib region during the session.

Washington Sundar To Return For IND vs PAK Game

Despite the setback, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains optimistic about Sundar’s recovery timeline. Officials are hopeful that he could regain full fitness in time for the high-profile India vs Pakistan clash. If that happens, Sundar is expected to miss India’s group-stage matches against the USA and Namibia.

“There are still over 15 days for India’s match vs Pakistan in the World Cup. Sundar is very much in the mix, and the plans as of now and a call will only be taken when there is no possibility of return. He was picked for the matchups vs left-handers, and that is why Ravi Bishnoi has been tried. There aren’t many options of off-spinners and bowling all-rounders available at the moment,” a source told The Times of India.

In Sundar’s absence, the BCCI named Ravi Bishnoi as his replacement for the recent India vs New Zealand T20I series. With Sundar set to miss at least two World Cup matches—and possibly more if his recovery is delayed—the selectors now face a key decision. They must choose whether to stick with Sundar in the squad or bring Bishnoi in as a permanent replacement.

ALSO READ | Dravid Credits Rohit Sharma for Driving Change in Indian White-Ball Cricket

Earlier reports also suggested that the BCCI had asked the Centre of Excellence to ensure Riyan Parag is match-fit ahead of the ICC event. If Bishnoi continues to impress with performances like the one he delivered in Guwahati, the selection panel could face a tough call ahead of the World Cup.