T20 World Cup 2026: India Plans Warm-Up Match Ahead of Pakistan Clash, Ryan Parag Poised as Sundar Replacement

Mumbai: Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, India is considering a warm-up match on February 4 at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium. Initially, the team was set to start the tournament without any formal practice match, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now exploring a fixture either against South Africa or an intra-squad match featuring India A players.

Fitness Concerns for Sundar and Tilak Varma
All-rounder Washington Sundar and batsman Tilak Varma remain key fitness concerns for the team. Sundar is recovering from a side strain affecting the muscles near his ribs and back, which could rule him out of the initial World Cup matches. Tilak Varma’s recovery is reportedly on track, with expectations that he will be fully fit by India’s second match on February 12. The selectors aim to have the full squad ready and settled ahead of the high-stakes clash against Pakistan on February 15.

Ryan Parag as Backup for Sundar
Ryan Parag is the leading contender to replace Sundar if necessary. Parag is recovering from a shoulder injury and has been training at the Bangalore Centre of Excellence (CoE). He is scheduled to play two simulation matches on January 28 and 30, and if he clears fitness assessments, he may join the team in Mumbai on February 2. Parag has already passed the Yo-Yo fitness test, providing reassurance for fans and management alike.

Selectors’ Strategy
During the recent series against New Zealand, Sundar was replaced by Ravi Bishnoi and Tilak Varma by Shreyas Iyer. Official squad changes may still be made until January 30. A BCCI source explained, “Rushing Sundar back could be risky, potentially affecting his IPL season. That’s why serious consideration is being given to backup options like Ryan Parag.”

Purpose of the Warm-Up Match
The warm-up match will serve as a litmus test for the team management, allowing them to assess the fitness of injured players while giving opportunities for substitutes like Parag to prove their capabilities. The coaching staff and captain will also use this match to finalize India’s best playing XI ahead of the crucial World Cup clash against Pakistan.