India all-rounder Washington Sundar has taken a positive step in his rehabilitation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, resuming batting practice at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru as he continues his comeback from a rib injury suffered in January. The development offers a promising update for India’s World Cup preparations, although his full return to match fitness remains under close monitoring by team medical staff.
Sundar, 26, was sidelined after reporting acute discomfort in his lower rib area during the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, an injury that ruled him out of the remainder of both the subsequent One-Day International and T20I series against the Black Caps. Scans at the time revealed a combination of muscle strain and a mild fracture, prompting India’s selectors to send him to the CoE for structured rehabilitation.
After an extended period of rest and targeted recovery work, Sundar has now returned to the nets, beginning low-intensity batting sessions under the supervision of the BCCI’s medical and performance staff. Initial efforts are cautious — focusing on building confidence and movement at the crease while managing discomfort — but have been described as “encouraging” by sources familiar with the programme.
The all-rounder’s presence at the CoE also reflects India’s broader strategy of not rushing his recovery in the run-up to the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7. Sundar’s unique profile — offering off-spin bowling options combined with middle-order batting depth — makes him a valuable asset for India’s title defence on home soil, meaning selectors are prepared to take a cautious, recovery-led approach rather than risk aggravating the injury.
Despite this progress, questions remain about the timeline for Sundar’s return to full competitive activity. There is no official update yet on when he might resume bowling, which is a key part of his all-round role, but team management has signalled that incremental workload increases will be introduced only when he can handle them without risk.
A crucial fitness test scheduled for February 4 at the CoE will likely play a decisive role in determining Sundar’s status for the World Cup. That assessment comes just three days before India’s campaign begins, and selectors have reportedly postponed any firm decisions on replacements or contingency plans until they receive clarity on his condition.
Current plans suggest that Washington may miss India’s early group matches — including games against the USA on February 7 and Namibia on February 12 — with a view to being ready for more critical Super 8 and knockout fixtures, particularly the India-Pakistan clash on February 15. Team management appears willing to gamble on his return later in the tournament rather than commit to a replacement too early, given the tactical balance he provides.
Regardless of the precise timing, Sundar’s progress at the Centre of Excellence is a significant and positive signal for the Indian team. Resuming batting marks an important milestone in his recovery journey and gives fans and selectors reason to hope that the off-spin all-rounder can yet contribute to India’s title defence — provided he clears the fitness hurdles and demonstrates readiness for the intensity of World Cup action.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025