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Photograph: (Source: @cricbuzz X)
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Washington Sundar, a standout Indian all-rounder, is unlikely to start in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The 26-year-old Tamil Nadu all-rounder is unlikely to reach full fitness before India's opening T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against the United States of America, according to a report on Cricbuzz. India's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign will begin on February 7 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
Washington is apparently going to miss the five Twenty20 Internationals against the Black Caps after missing two ODIs against New Zealand. According to PTI, a representative of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) verified this information. "Washington Sundar has been ruled out from the T20 series against NZ due to a side strain." Although Washington will be replaced in the ODIs by Ayush Badoni, formal news regarding his replacement in the T20I team is still coming.
T20 World Cup 2026 Report:
🚨 Washington Sundar ruled out from the New Zealand T20i Series and he is also doubtful for the T20 World Cup
— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) January 14, 2026
He is suffering from a rib injury. Ayush Badoni is his replacement in ODIs.
Hope Gambhir will not pick Ayush as his replacement in T20i team 🤦 pic.twitter.com/McMcPdomgT
On Sunday, January 11, during the first India-New Zealand ODI at BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Sundar sustained a side strain while bowling. After bowling five overs and leaving the field in discomfort, he batted at No. 8 for the Shubman Gill-led team during the 301-run chase and managed to stay undefeated on 7 runs from 7 balls.
Washington's exclusion from the T20I series against New Zealand raises questions over his ability to compete in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Sundar, who has grown to be an indispensable player of India's T20I team, before the esteemed competition begins on February 7.
On the first day of the T20 World Cup, India will take on the USA at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Tilak Varma was previously disqualified from the first three Twenty20 Internationals against New Zealand. Varma's availability will depend on how well he performs during the "return-to-training" and skill phases, according to the BCCI.
Watch this space for more cricket news and updates.