ICC T20 World Cup: India boosted with return of Washington Sundar after USA scare
ICC T20 World Cup: All-rounder Washington Sundar has recovered from his injury and is set to make a return to the team ahead of India's 2nd match in the T20 World Cup. Sundar was sidelined with a side strain and a rib muscle tear during India's ODI series against New Zealand.
India are set to be boosted by the return of all-rounder Washington Sundar after nearly fumbling their opener against the United States of America in the T20 World Cup 2026. Suryakumar Yadav’s side were reduced to 77/6 in the 13th over against the associate nation, but managed to dig themselves out of trouble courtesy of the captain, who scored an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls.
Despite missing Jasprit Bumrah and fielding a half-fit Abhishek Sharma, India were able to defend their total of 161. USA lacked the batting firepower to chase the target and were restricted to 132/8 in their 20 overs.
Following the match, India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Washington Sundar, who has been out of the side since the T20I series against New Zealand, is set to make his comeback. Sundar will join the squad in Delhi ahead of India’s second group-stage match against Namibia.
“Washington Sundar is fit and will be joining the squad directly in Delhi (ahead of the Namibia game),” Surya said at the post-match presentation.
IND vs USA, ICC T20 World Cup: Updates | Scorecard
What happened to Washington Sundar?
Washington Sundar sustained a side strain and a rib muscle tear during the ODI series against New Zealand and was subsequently ruled out of the five-match T20I series in the lead-up to the World Cup. He underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and is now set to return to India’s World Cup campaign.
The Tamil Nadu all-rounder followed an intensive rehabilitation programme and completed all return-to-play protocols before being cleared by the medical and sports science team. For nearly a week, he has been batting and bowling without discomfort at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Who will Washington Sundar replace?
India have already lost pacer Harshit Rana to a knee injury, with the fast bowler expected to be sidelined for a considerable period. Bumrah, meanwhile, missed the opening game due to a bout of fever.
Washington Sundar’s return is unlikely to bode well for Rinku Singh, with the team preferring a player who can contribute consistently with both bat and ball. Rinku struggled against USA, scoring just 6 runs off 14 balls without finding timing.
Sundar’s inclusion will give India greater flexibility in the spin department — a template head coach Gautam Gambhir has leaned on over the past year.
India’s next match is scheduled for February 12 against Namibia at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
India are set to be boosted by the return of all-rounder Washington Sundar after nearly fumbling their opener against the United States of America in the T20 World Cup 2026. Suryakumar Yadav’s side were reduced to 77/6 in the 13th over against the associate nation, but managed to dig themselves out of trouble courtesy of the captain, who scored an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls.
Despite missing Jasprit Bumrah and fielding a half-fit Abhishek Sharma, India were able to defend their total of 161. USA lacked the batting firepower to chase the target and were restricted to 132/8 in their 20 overs.
Following the match, India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Washington Sundar, who has been out of the side since the T20I series against New Zealand, is set to make his comeback. Sundar will join the squad in Delhi ahead of India’s second group-stage match against Namibia.
“Washington Sundar is fit and will be joining the squad directly in Delhi (ahead of the Namibia game),” Surya said at the post-match presentation.
IND vs USA, ICC T20 World Cup: Updates | Scorecard
What happened to Washington Sundar?
Washington Sundar sustained a side strain and a rib muscle tear during the ODI series against New Zealand and was subsequently ruled out of the five-match T20I series in the lead-up to the World Cup. He underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and is now set to return to India’s World Cup campaign.
The Tamil Nadu all-rounder followed an intensive rehabilitation programme and completed all return-to-play protocols before being cleared by the medical and sports science team. For nearly a week, he has been batting and bowling without discomfort at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Who will Washington Sundar replace?
India have already lost pacer Harshit Rana to a knee injury, with the fast bowler expected to be sidelined for a considerable period. Bumrah, meanwhile, missed the opening game due to a bout of fever.
Washington Sundar’s return is unlikely to bode well for Rinku Singh, with the team preferring a player who can contribute consistently with both bat and ball. Rinku struggled against USA, scoring just 6 runs off 14 balls without finding timing.
Sundar’s inclusion will give India greater flexibility in the spin department — a template head coach Gautam Gambhir has leaned on over the past year.
India’s next match is scheduled for February 12 against Namibia at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score