The Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar who sustained a rib injury last month is attempting to recover for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Indian World Cup squad member Sundar sustained his injury during the first ODI match against New Zealand which took place on January 11 at BCA Stadium in Vadodara.

 

The left-arm spinner experienced lower rib pain during his bowling time so he could not bowl more than five overs throughout the match. He exited the match during New Zealand's innings but he never returned to bowl again. Sundar came to bat in the second innings but he seemed to have difficulty running between wickets.

 

The series became inaccessible to him while his World Cup participation remains uncertain

 

Sundar received medical evaluations which resulted in his exclusion from all upcoming matches in the ODI and T20I series against New Zealand. His recovery process has extended more than expected which raises questions about his availability for the T20 World Cup scheduled to start on February 7.

 

The team selected Nitish Kumar Reddy to take Sundar's position in the ODI team while they selected Ravi Bishnoi for T20I team. The team management understands that neither selection option can replace all of Sundar's complete all-rounder abilities.

 

The BCCI has chosen Riyan Parag as an equivalent replacement option

 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI has named Riyan Parag as potential backup T20 World Cup player because Sundar's physical condition remains unclear. The BCCI assigned the Centre of Excellence task to observe Parag's physical condition and maintain his match readiness according to The Week report.

 

Parag has a shoulder injury which he is recovering from but his rehabilitation progress has been steady. He completed the Yo-Yo fitness test successfully so he needs to report to Mumbai on February 2.

 

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The warm-up matches will evaluate their readiness for competition

 

India will compete in a warm-up match against South Africa or India A on February 4. The fixtures will significantly influence team selection if Sundar fails to recover because of his injuries.

 

Ravi Bishnoi joined the New Zealand T20Is but the selectors want to find a player who matches Sundar's skills for the World Cup which makes Parag a top candidate.

 

Riyan Parag has represented India in nine T20Is and one ODI so far. During IPL 2025 he received national recognition because he played for Rajasthan Royals and hit six consecutive sixes against Kolkata Knight Riders.

 

Parag functions as a batting all-rounder who bowls part-time spin which provides his team necessary balance and middle order flexibility.

 

India has been assigned to T20 World Cup Group A. Suryakumar Yadav-led India will begin their campaign against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.