After Washington Sundar’s side strain emerged as a very challenging injury, the all-rounder was ruled out of the entire New Zealand T20I series, and his participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is also under severe doubt. Gautam Gambhir would have to consider players who could replace him for the marquee tournament.
The National Selection committee are once again sweating over Washington Sundar’s possible snub from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He was ruled out of the remainder of the series against New Zealand after a side strain during his bowling spell in Vadodara.
Since the New Zealand T20I series will conclude with less than a week left for the ICC T20 World Cup, the Indian team management would have to keep their backup plans ready for the initial stages of the tournament.
Washington Sundar doubtful for T20 World Cup 2026
The TOI has reported that, from the end of the Indian management, it has been conveyed that they are already preparing for the backup options to replace Sundar for the tournaments.
However, they are yet to announce anything, as the team management has been asked to wait through another week by the BCCI Medical team. This time would be needed for further assessment and setting a proper timeline for Sundar’s recovery.
Washington Sundar is supposed to report at the CoE this weekend, where the medical team will observe him closely, especially with a thorough assessment of the area around the ribs. The teams are allowed to make changes till seven days before the start of the tournament, and any changes made after that shall only be made after seeking permission from the ICC.
BCCI asks Gautam Gambhir to prepare Plan B after Washington Sundar’s injury
India have always looked forward to playing most of their T20I games under Gautam Gambhir with many all-rounders in the side, who can produce an impact in some way or the round. Since the games will be played on the home turf, India will also look to pick a spin-heavy side.
Hence, it is understood that Gautam Gambhir and the Indian management have been asked to think of a Plan B in case the recovery period of Washington Sundar extends over the later phases of the ICC T20 World Cup. India are already covered with the injury of Tilak Varma, who underwent surgery last week, and the team management have their fingers crossed until he takes the field again.
“As of now, the selectors and the team management have to think about a backup plan. There is a strong possibility that Washington may not be fully fit for the initial stages of the World Cup. A call on his participation in the entire tournament can be discussed after a thorough report by the medical team,” a BCCI source said to TOI.
7 Washington Sundar Replacement Options for T20 World Cup 2026
7. Riyan Parag
Considering like-for-like replacement and Gambhir’s favour for all-rounders, the all-rounder from the Rajasthan Royals camp, Riyan Parag, has rolled up his sleeves and is awaiting a clearance from the CoE after recovering from his shoulder injury. He can be a replacement for Washington Sundar.
6. Shahbaz Ahmed
Shahbaz Ahmed, the left-arm spin bowling all-rounder from Bengal who performed very well across white-ball tournaments for the state team, was also considered as a replacement for a crucial player like Axar Patel in December 2025 during the T20Is against South Africa.
5. Nitish Kumar Reddy
Since it is Gautam Gambhir’s team, his decision and the players he considers superior are likely to get the first-hand advantage. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been a constant for the Indian team, while he also flexes a better record for India in T20Is with the bat and ball. Reddy thought a seam bowling all-rounder could be an effective power hitter down the order.
4. Ramandeep Singh
The KKR all-rounder, though, does not have much of an impact with the ball, yet he is an explosive batter down the order and can feature as the second pacer in the squad; however, with Shivam Dube’s presence, this is the least likely selection possible to replace Washington Sundar.
3. Krunal Pandya
Hardik Pandya’s brother and out-of-favour Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya has not played for India for a long, long time. However, the all-rounder is a constant performer for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and was an important part of RCB’s victorious campaign in IPL 2025. Pandya is an equally effective batsman and can be handy with the ball, even in the powerplay at times.
2. Ayush Badoni
The Delhi captain has already been named in the Indian squad but has yet to make his international debut. He was called in as Washington Sundar’s replacement in the ODI series against New Zealand.
Badoni is a very good batter in the middle order, and his addition could also be a possible backup for Tilak Varma, who is also recovering from surgery. Moreover, he is an off-spinner and has produced breakthroughs at crucial junctures for Delhi.
1. Harpreet Brar
Lastly, a name people would not have thought could replace Washington Sundar. But if India are really on the quest for the best option in a spinner who could act as a replacement, then it would be Harpreet Brar. He has also proved his abilities in the IPL for the Punjab Kings, where he has bowled with the new ball and at the death as well.