Washington Sundar's replacements for T20 World Cup 2026- Players India can pick

Sakshi Sharma

Washington Sundar (Source:@Sportskeeda,x.com)Washington Sundar (Source:@Sportskeeda,x.com)

India’s injury troubles have increased further during the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, as all-rounder Washington Sundar is likely ruled out of the remainder of the series after suffering a side strain in the first ODI at Baroda on Sunday, January 11.

The all-rounder is scheduled to undergo scans ahead of the second ODI, which will determine the exact nature and severity of the injury. 

As of now, the BCCI has not issued an official statement on his injury, but reports indicate that Washington Sundar’s chances of featuring in the remaining matches look slim.

Sundar’s setback comes at a time when the Indian camp is already battling multiple fitness concerns. Just before the opening ODI, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the series due to injury.

Concern for India before T20 World Cup 2026

Sundar is part of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, and this latest injury has raised concerns about his long-term fitness. The ICC event is scheduled for February, and although there is still time before the tournament, the level of his injury could affect his preparation and match readiness.

If the side strain proves serious, the team management may be forced to consider alternatives, at least as a precautionary measure.

In this article, let's take a look at the possible replacements of Washington Sundar if he is ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

Who can replace Washington Sundar in India's T20 World Cup squad?

Sai Kishore

Criterion
Stats
Innings7
Wickets
6
Economy
4.61

(Sai Kishore's TNPL 2025 stats)

Sai Kishore has quietly built a reputation as one of the most reliable left-arm orthodox spinners in Indian domestic cricket. Representing Tamil Nadu, he is known for his accuracy, discipline, and ability to choke runs in the middle overs.

Playing for Tamil Nadu, Sai Kishore picked up six wickets in seven innings at an excellent economy rate of 4.61. He also contributed 87 runs in seven innings, showing his ability to add valuable lower-order runs.

In TNPL 2025, Sai Kishore bagged 12 wickets in nine innings at an economy rate of 5.44. He also made valuable contributions with the bat, scoring 129 runs in seven innings at a healthy strike rate of 138.71.

In the IPL 2025 season, representing the Gujarat Titans, Kishore featured in 15 matches and claimed 19 wickets. His consistency makes him a strong option if India looks for a spin-bowling replacement.

Shahbaz Ahmed

Shahbaz Ahmed has been on the selectors’ radar recently and has already been part of India’s T20I plans in the recent past. When Axar Patel was ruled out of the South Africa T20I series last year due to illness, Shahbaz was brought in as his replacement.

The Bengal all-rounder has been in outstanding form in the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He scored 390 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 103.72 and an average of 130.00. With the ball, he picked up six wickets in six innings at an economy rate of 6.16.

He has amassed 2,192 runs in first-class cricket and 1,355 runs in T20s. As a bowler, he has taken 73 wickets in T20 cricket, along with wickets in both ODIs and T20Is for India. His ability to contribute in all departments makes him a strong contender as an injury replacement.

Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya is another experienced left-arm spin all-rounder who could come into contention if Washington Sundar is ruled out. With considerable T20I experience, Krunal might bring maturity and balance to the side.

The Baroda captain has been in excellent form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. He scored 321 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 106.64 and an average of 53.50. One of the highlights of the tournament was his sensational unbeaten 109 off just 63 balls against Hyderabad.

In the IPL 2025 season, playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Krunal made 109 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 126.74. More importantly, he made a significant impact with the ball, taking 17 wickets in 15 innings at an economy rate of 8.24.

India awaits official confirmation on Sundar

For now, India will wait for the scan results and an official update from the BCCI regarding Washington Sundar’s injury status. While the team hopes the setback is minor, the selectors will likely keep backup options ready for the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2026.