Washington Sundar Ruled Out of Pre-T20 World Cup Series, India’s Preparations Take a Hit

Washington Sundar Ruled Out of Pre-T20 World Cup Series, India’s Preparations Take a Hit

India’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have suffered a significant setback after all-rounder Washington Sundar was ruled out of the pre-World Cup T20I series due to injury, raising fresh concerns over team balance just weeks before the global tournament begins on 7 February 2026.

Injury Blow at a Crucial Stage

Washington Sundar sustained a side strain during training, forcing the team management to take a precautionary approach ahead of the high-stakes World Cup. The injury has ruled him out of the upcoming T20I series, which was seen as a final opportunity for players to cement their places in India’s World Cup plans.

Sundar has been a valuable asset in T20 cricket, especially in subcontinent conditions, where his economical off-spin and lower-order batting provide crucial flexibility. His absence creates a notable gap in India’s middle-overs bowling strategy.

Selectors Turn to Replacements

In response to Sundar’s injury, the selectors have called up Ravi Bishnoi and Shreyas Iyer as replacements, aiming to maintain squad depth and competitive balance.

• Ravi Bishnoi, known for his attacking leg-spin and ability to pick wickets in the middle overs, is expected to shoulder additional responsibility in the bowling department.

• Shreyas Iyer, returning to the T20 setup, adds stability to the batting order and strengthens India’s middle-order options, particularly against quality spin attacks.

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Impact on India’s World Cup Strategy

With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, this injury comes at a less-than-ideal time for India. Team combinations, especially the choice of all-rounders, were still under evaluation. Sundar’s absence forces the management to rethink balance between spin, pace, and batting depth.

While the medical team remains optimistic about Sundar’s recovery, his availability for the World Cup itself remains uncertain, making the upcoming series even more important for fringe players looking to make a strong impression.

Focus Shifts to Adaptability

As India gears up for the T20 World Cup 2026, adaptability will be key. The team management will closely monitor player fitness, form, and combinations in the remaining matches before finalizing the squad.

For now, the spotlight is firmly on how India responds to this setback — and whether the replacements can rise to the occasion and strengthen the team’s chances on the world stage.