India Face Injury Scare Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026: Sundar Out, Varma Recovering
India’s preparation for the upcoming global T20 tournament has hit a concerning roadblock as injury worries mount just weeks before the mega event. With key players facing fitness issues, the team management is racing against time to ensure full squad availability. The T20 World Cup 2026 schedule is approaching fast, and these injury concerns couldn’t have come at a worse time for the co-hosts.
Washington Sundar Ruled Out with Rib Injury
Washington Sundar has been withdrawn from the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand after experiencing acute discomfort in his left lower rib area during the first ODI in Vadodara. The all-rounder, who bowled five overs and contributed an unbeaten 7 runs, felt the pain while bowling and immediately alerted the medical staff.
The BCCI Medical Team has scheduled further scans and will consult specialists to determine the severity of the injury. This development is particularly worrying as Sundar is part of India’s squad for the global T20 tournament starting next month.
Ayush Badoni Gets Maiden ODI Call-Up
In Sundar’s absence, the selectors have named 24-year-old Ayush Badoni as his replacement. This marks Badoni’s first-ever call-up to the Indian ODI squad, a significant milestone in his career. The dynamic middle-order batter will join the team in Rajkot for the second ODI scheduled for January 14.
Badoni has been in impressive form in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, making him a natural choice when the team needed a like-for-like replacement for Sundar’s batting capabilities.
Tilak Varma’s Recovery Timeline
Adding to India’s injury concerns, promising young batter Tilak Varma is currently recovering from an undisclosed injury. The left-hander will miss the first three T20Is against New Zealand, which are crucial warm-up matches before the main tournament.
Varma has been one of India’s most exciting talents in recent times, and his absence from the opening T20 matches will test the team’s batting depth. The management remains hopeful of his return before the tournament kicks off.
Impact on Tournament Preparations
The timing of these injuries raises serious questions about India’s readiness for the co-hosted tournament. Here’s what the team is dealing with:
Key Concerns:
- Loss of all-round balance with Sundar’s absence
- Reduced batting depth without Tilak Varma
- Limited time for replacements to integrate into the squad
- Risk of rushing players back from injury
Positive Factors:
- Strong squad depth allows for quality replacements
- Ayush Badoni brings fresh energy and form
- Medical team monitoring situations closely
- Five T20Is against New Zealand provide match practice
Updated Squad for Remaining ODIs
Following Sundar’s withdrawal, India’s squad for the second and third ODIs features some interesting combinations:
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Shubman Gill |
| Vice-Captain | Shreyas Iyer |
| Senior Batters | Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul |
| Wicketkeepers | KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel |
| All-rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy |
| Fast Bowlers | Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna |
| Spinners | Kuldeep Yadav |
| New Addition | Ayush Badoni |
Recent Performance Highlights
Despite the injury setbacks, India showcased their batting prowess in the first ODI against New Zealand. Chasing a challenging target of 300, the team completed the run chase with an over to spare.
Virat Kohli led from the front with a brilliant 93, falling just seven runs short of what would have been another century. Shreyas Iyer, making his return to the squad, looked in excellent touch with a solid 49-run contribution.
The victory demonstrated India’s depth and resilience, qualities that will be crucial when they compete on home soil next month.
What This Means for Tournament Strategy
The coaching staff now faces critical decisions regarding squad management and player workload. With multiple teams already announcing their squads, India needs to finalize its best XI quickly.
Strategic Considerations:
- Should fit players be rested to prevent further injuries?
- How much game time should returning players get?
- Will the team experiment with new combinations?
- What’s the backup plan if more injuries occur?
Medical Team’s Role Becomes Critical
The BCCI Medical Team is working overtime to ensure players receive the best possible care. Washington Sundar’s case requires expert consultation, indicating the seriousness with which the management is treating these injuries.
Modern sports science and recovery protocols give hope that players can return to full fitness quickly, but rushing them back could backfire spectacularly during the tournament itself.
Looking Ahead to New Zealand T20Is
The five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting after the ODIs conclude, will serve as India’s final preparation phase. These matches are crucial for:
- Testing combinations in match situations
- Giving fringe players opportunities to stake their claim
- Building momentum heading into the tournament
- Assessing fitness levels of recovering players
With Tilak Varma expected to miss the first three matches, the team will need others to step up and showcase their abilities in high-pressure situations.
Tournament Preparations Continue
Despite these setbacks, India remains one of the favorites for the tournament, thanks to their strong squad composition and home advantage. The team has experience of performing under pressure and the depth to manage injury concerns.
The upcoming matches against New Zealand will be crucial in determining how well the team can adapt to these challenges and whether the injured players can return to full fitness in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury has Washington Sundar sustained?
Washington Sundar has acute discomfort in his left lower rib area sustained while bowling in the first ODI. He’s undergoing scans and specialist consultations to determine the injury’s extent.
Will Washington Sundar be fit for the T20 World Cup 2026?
The BCCI Medical Team is assessing the situation after further scans. His availability depends on the injury severity and recovery timeline, which hasn’t been officially announced yet.
Who replaced Washington Sundar in the ODI squad?
Ayush Badoni received his maiden ODI call-up as Sundar’s replacement. The 24-year-old will join the squad in Rajkot for the remaining matches.
When will Tilak Varma return from injury?
Tilak Varma will miss the first three T20Is against New Zealand but is expected to recover before the tournament begins. The exact return date hasn’t been confirmed.
How many T20Is will India play before the World Cup?
India will play five T20I matches against New Zealand after the ODI series concludes, serving as final preparation before the tournament starts next month.
Can India manage without these injured players?
India has strong squad depth with quality replacements available. However, losing all-rounders like Sundar and talented batters like Varma does impact team balance and requires tactical adjustments.
