India’s build-up to the T20 World Cup has been boosted by positive fitness updates on Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma, with selectors confident both players will be available as the tournament begins on February 7.
Positive signs around Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma as India prepare for World Cup
India’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup have received a boost with encouraging updates on Washington Sundar’s fitness. The 26-year-old all-rounder is progressing well in his recovery and is expected to be available for the tournament, which begins on February 7.
Sundar has been sidelined since sustaining a rib injury during the first ODI against New Zealand in Baroda on January 11. Since then, he has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. According to sources close to the selection committee, there is growing confidence that Sundar will regain full fitness in time for the ICC event.
India are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign in Mumbai against the USA on the opening day of the tournament.
Following the conclusion of the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand on January 31, the Indian squad will regroup in Mumbai on February 3. A warm-up fixture against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium is planned for February 4. While Sundar’s availability for that practice match remains uncertain, selectors remain optimistic about his readiness for the main tournament.
When Sundar was ruled out of the ongoing T20I series, the BCCI had explained that he experienced discomfort in the left lower rib region while bowling in the Baroda ODI. Further scans were advised at the time, along with expert medical consultation. He has since been under the supervision of the medical staff in Bengaluru.
There is similar optimism surrounding Tilak Varma. The Hyderabad batter, who underwent minor surgery earlier this month, is expected to return to action for the February 4 warm-up game. In its fitness update, the BCCI confirmed that Tilak had surgery for an abdominal issue on January 7 in Rajkot, was discharged the following day, and has been recovering steadily. He is set to resume physical training before gradually returning to full cricketing activities once cleared by medical staff.
Despite recent debate over Sanju Samson’s form, the selection committee continues to back the wicketkeeper-batter. Samson, who was chosen ahead of Shubman Gill for the World Cup squad, has struggled in the current T20I series with scores of 10, 6, 0 and 24. While Ishan Kishan could challenge him for the opening slot, Samson’s place in the squad is not under threat at this stage.
Gill’s omission, however, has drawn criticism from former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who voiced strong support for the young batter. Azharuddin described Gill as an exceptional player and leader, arguing that he deserved a spot in India’s T20 setup and calling his absence from the squad unfortunate.
India’s T20 World Cup Squad
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wk)
