India’s 2026 T20 World Cup plans have hit a minor snag as doubts remain over Washington Sundar’s fitness. Washington Sundar was injured in the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11.

Washington Sundar’s fitness in doubt ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

However, the Indian all-rounder’s recovery took longer than expected due to a muscle tear near his ribs. So far, Sundar hasn’t done any hard training or practice. The Indian cricket team management is awaiting official medical reports before taking any decision.

According to a report in The Times of India, Washington Sundar will undergo a fitness test on February 4 at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. The Test will be played three days before India’s upcoming first match of the 2026 T20 World Cup against the United States on February 7.

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The full team training of the Indian team will begin on February 3 in Mumbai. They will also play a warm-up match against South Africa on February 4. If the Tamil Nadu off-spinner clears the fitness test, he can join the Indian cricket team for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup warm-up matches.

Fitness test determines Sundar’s T20 World Cup campaign

If not, team management may use substitute players. However, the report states that team management and draft staff are ready to wait for Washington’s official medical report before formulating any backup plans.

While the T20 World Cup squad can make substitutions before January 30, injury substitutions are also allowed during the tournament if approved by the ICC.

While the BCCI is yet to officially reveal the details of Sundar’s injury, the Indian all-rounder reportedly suffered a torn muscle in his back near the ribs, so the upcoming tests will give a clear indication of his recovery.

BCCI hopes Washington Sundar recovers naturally

Meanwhile, Tilak Varma and Riyan Parag have played a practice match at BCCI CoE on Wednesday, January 28. Tilak is expected to join the main lineup before the warm-up games. Sundar was banned from tough training sessions to allow his injury to heal naturally before he could start full training again.

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The Times of India quoted a BCCI source as saying: “Washington’s injury needs to heal naturally before he can return to the field. If Washington can adapt to the later stages of the World Cup, the team may wait for him.”

India look balanced even without Washington and vice-captain Axar Patel for the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. Riyan Parag is ready to serve as an equal replacement for Washington if needed. The management feels that the team can perform well even without the spin bowling all-rounder.

India 2026 T20 World Cup warm-up matches and group stages:

February 2 – India A vs USA in Navi Mumbai

February 4 – India vs South Africa in Navi Mumbai

February 6 – India A vs. Namibia at Bengaluru

February 7 – India vs USA at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

February 12 – India vs Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

February 15 – India vs Pakistan at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo

February 18 – India vs Netherlands at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad