5 Indian Cricketers Who Missed World Cups Due to Injuries, Will Washington Sundar Be Next?

January 17, 2026: All-rounder Washington Sundar, selected for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad starting February 7, has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand due to injury. This raises concerns over his participation in the World Cup itself. India has a history of players missing major tournaments despite being named in the squad. Here are five such instances:

1. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah was part of India’s 2022 T20 World Cup squad but missed the tournament due to a back injury. Mohammad Shami replaced him just before the tournament began.

2. Virender Sehwag
Sehwag missed two T20 World Cups due to shoulder injuries. In 2009, he was forced out despite being in the squad, and in 2010, another shoulder problem led to Murali Vijay being called up in his place.

3. Axar Patel
Axar Patel was selected for the 2023 World Cup but suffered an injury before the tournament began. Ravichandran Ashwin replaced him in the squad.

4. Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma was part of India’s squad for the 2015 World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, but had to withdraw due to a knee injury. Mohit Sharma took his place.

5. Praveen Kumar
Praveen Kumar, known for his excellent new-ball bowling, was included in India’s 2011 World Cup squad but was ruled out due to an elbow injury. Sreesanth replaced him.

With Washington Sundar’s recent injury, fans are now anxious whether he will be fit in time for the T20 World Cup. His absence would be a significant blow to India’s squad, given his all-round abilities.