There's some concerning news coming from the Indian cricket camp. Just days after being ruled out for the rest of the ODI series, Washington Sundar has now also been pulled from the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. This was supposed to be the last international assignment before the T20 World Cup 2026, serving as a crucial dress rehearsal for the big event at home. Unfortunately, Sundar won’t be able to participate. 

The 26-year-old picked up a side strain during the first ODI in Vadodara. He only managed to bowl five overs before having to leave the field. Although he returned to bat during India’s chase and formed an important partnership with KL Rahul, the damage was already done.

Scans later revealed he would need “a few weeks’ rest,” which forced the team management to abandon any plans of bringing him back for the T20Is. 

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Washington Sundar was added as the fourth spin bowling option for the Indian team in the T20 World Cup. While he wasn’t expected to play every match, his versatility was a valuable asset for the Indian management. They certainly wouldn’t want Sundar to miss out on such a significant ICC event, especially since he can fill multiple roles. 

After finally securing a spot in a T20 World Cup squad for the first time, he was anticipated to play a vital role on home turf, utilizing his new-ball overs, favorable matchups against left-handers, and growing confidence with the bat. Instead, it seems like history might be repeating itself, as he was also sidelined due to injuries in the 2021 and 2022 editions. 

India’s medical team and selectors have decided to play it safe. Initially, there was hope that Sundar could return later in the T20I series.

However, the risk of worsening his injury so close to the World Cup has put an end to that idea. He might rejoin the squad in the later stages, but only if his recovery goes perfectly.