Here are 5 players who could replace Washington Sundar in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, based on form, skill, and versatility.
Washington Sundar rib injury has created a major headache for Indian selectors. The all-rounder got hurt during the New Zealand ODI series recently. BCCI is consulting medical experts to figure out how serious this injury is. His T20 World Cup participation now hangs in the balance worryingly for fans.
India needs backup choices ready if Washington Sundar can’t heal in time for the contest. The team relies heavily on his off-spin bowling and handy lower-order batting. Finding someone with both skills isn’t easy at all in Indian cricket.
Why Washington Sundar Injury Matters
Washington Sundar gives India that perfect balance between bat and ball consistently. He bowls tight off-spin during the middle overs, controlling the game beautifully throughout. His batting at number seven or eight has saved India multiple times. Losing him right before a World Cup creates selection headaches for management.
The BCCI hasn’t rushed into naming a replacement yet, which shows concern. They’re getting expert medical opinions before making any final decisions about him. If doctors clear him, Sundar stays in the squad without question. But if he can’t play, India must act fast to find alternatives.
The T20 World Cup is coming soon, and preparation time is running out quickly. Whoever replaces Sundar needs match practice with the team immediately to gel properly. The selectors are probably losing sleep over this situation right now. Let’s look at five players who could step into those big shoes.
Players Who Can Replace the Injured Washington Sundar
The board has its work cut out for it. Five names keep developing in talks. Let’s break down who may get the call after Washington Sundar injury.
1. Ayush Badoni
Badoni already got the ODI call-up, replacing Sundar in that team. The LSG player is uncapped at the international level. He’s a batting all-rounder who bowls good off-spin when needed during games. Think of him as Sundar-lite basically in terms of skillset offered.
If Washington Sundar isn’t fit, Badoni becomes the obvious next choice logically here. He’s been performing well in domestic cricket lately, grabbing selectors’ attention everywhere. His batting ability stands out more than his bowling. The team gets a solid middle-order option with part-time spin as a bonus.
Badoni’s lack of international experience could be concerning for big tournaments. Throwing someone into a World Cup without prior caps feels risky. But India has done it before successfully with other young players. His recent form suggests he can handle the pressure if given the opportunity.
2. Riyan Parag
Parag brings that aggressive batting style India loves in T20 cricket formats. The RR star can smash sixes at will when set. His off-spin bowling goes for four overs without giving too many runs away. Many experts say his batting is actually better than Sundar’s overall.
But here’s the problem – Parag himself is dealing with injury concerns lately. He hasn’t played domestic cricket since December 6th, which raises red flags. His last competitive bowling appearance came way back on November 13th worryingly enough. Plus, he hasn’t represented India in any format since October 2024.
The selectors will hesitate picking someone who’s been out of action themselves. Parag needs to prove his fitness first before getting that World Cup call. If he’s healthy though, he’s definitely the top choice to replace Washington Sundar in T20 World Cup 2026.
3. Shreyas Iyer
Here’s a wild card – forget all-rounders and pick a specialist batter. Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from T20Is has puzzled many cricket experts recently. The ODI vice-captain is fit again after fully healing from injuries. India already has three spinners plus Abhishek Sharma to bowl.
Shreyas strengthens that middle-order, which looks shaky without him there. Suryakumar Yadav’s form concerns continue to trouble the team management these days. Tilak Varma’s injury adds another problem to India’s batting worries currently. Adding Shreyas gives India an experienced middle-order anchor desperately needed now.
His T20 numbers might not scream selection, but experience matters hugely. Shreyas has played pressure matches and delivered under tough situations before. The World Cup needs players who won’t crumble when things get difficult. His technique against spin makes him valuable for the subcontinent conditions expected there.
4. Vipraj Nigam
Vipraj Nigam brings leg-spin instead of off-spin uniquely. The Delhi Capitals youngster is a proper wrist-spinner with variations galore. He can bat decently at number seven or eight contributing runs. India’s spin attack lacks a right-arm leg-spinner currently in the squad.
Nigam would add variety to India’s bowling options against different opponents strategically. Batters struggle reading leg-spinners compared to off-spinners generally in cricket. His dangerous lower-order batting makes him a genuine all-rounder package. The surprise factor could work heavily in India’s favour here potentially.
However, he’s fairly naive compared to other choices available right now. The World Cup step might be too big for his debut. Selectors usually prefer players with some international exposure before major tournaments. But desperate times call for bold selections sometimes in sports.
5. Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy fits perfectly there. The Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder bowls seam instead of spin though differently. India already has three spinners, so adding pace makes sense tactically. He provides a reserve fast-bowling all-rounder option behind Hardik Pandya currently.
Reddy has been around the Indian setup recently, gaining valuable experience slowly. He understands team dynamics and knows most players already which helps. His medium-pace bowling gives captains another dimension to use strategically during matches. The batting ability at the lower order provides that cushion India needs.
The only question mark is whether India needs another pace option. With Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube already there, it seems excessive. But having backups never hurts especially with Hardik’s injury history concerning everyone. Reddy offers a safe, reliable option without taking huge risks on unknowns.
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