India’s Star All-Rounder Returns to Fitness Ahead of T20 World Cup, but a Major Concern Looms

India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar, who was sidelined due to an injury during the ODI series against New Zealand, has returned to practice and is working on his recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. While this is encouraging news, concerns remain over his availability for the T20 World Cup opener.

Injury Details and Recovery
Sundar, 26, had been struggling with a side strain and a minor rib fracture, which had kept him away from competitive cricket. Before resuming practice, he consulted Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala for a thorough evaluation. Initial scans revealed muscle strain, followed by confirmation of a small rib fracture. Sundar has started batting in nets as part of his rehabilitation but still experiences mild discomfort around the rib area.

According to sources, it is unlikely that Sundar will be fit for India’s first T20 World Cup match against the USA on 7 February. The team management is taking a cautious approach, planning to closely monitor his recovery and gradually increase his workload according to the “Return to Play” (RTP) protocol.

Impact on Team India
Sundar’s absence leaves a gap in India’s combination, as there is no direct replacement for a left-arm off-spin bowling all-rounder. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav prefer having an off-spinner capable of troubling left-handed batsmen. For this reason, Ravi Bishnoi was included in the recent series against New Zealand, as his record against left-handers is impressive and he can consistently keep the ball away from their stumps.

A team source said, “There are still more than 15 days before India faces Pakistan in the World Cup. Sundar remains part of the team’s plans, and his chances of playing are alive. Decisions will only be made once there is clarity on his return. Until then, Bishnoi is being tested for match-ups against left-handed batsmen. There are limited options for an off-spinner and bowling all-rounder in the squad.”

While Sundar’s recovery is a positive sign, Team India faces a crucial challenge in managing its spin resources effectively in the lead-up to the World Cup.