Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that star all-rounder Washington Sundar is still not fully ready and this has raised questions about whether he will be fit in time for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7.
Washington Sundar’s play in T20 World Cup 2026 in doubt as Suryakumar Yadav shares big update
However, Suryakumar Yadav has made it clear that the Indian cricket team really wants Washington Sundar in the squad for the showpiece event. He shared that Sundar is very close to making a comeback, but they want to give him enough time so that he comes back fully fit.
The captain believes that the off-spinner is an important player as he can give balance to the team and help control the game in the middle overs and that is why the Indian team management is being patient with the all-rounder rather than taking any risks.
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We will stay with him: Suryakumar Yadav on Sundar
The team is in regular touch with Sundar and is closely monitoring his recovery. He is improving day by day and getting closer to being match ready, the final decision is expected soon.
“You have to be patient with good players and we will be with him 100%. We spoke to him and he is getting closer to regaining full fitness,” Suryakumar Yadav said at the ICC T20 World Cup captain’s press conference.
Suryakumar Yadav reveals Tilak Verma’s plans before T20 World Cup 2026
The Indian captain also revealed that Tilak Verma was given a break during the recent T20 series against New Zealand to keep him fresh for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The young sensation has recently fully recovered from his stomach injury and has made a spectacular comeback.
The stylish batsman smashed a quickfire 45 off 19 balls during India’s 30-run win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup warm-up match in Navi Mumbai on January 4, leaving the captain stunned with his batting form despite coming back from rehabilitation at the BCCI’s CoE.
Suryakumar said, “Tilak Verma got a break; he did not play the New Zealand series. When he came back, he looked a different player.”
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Suryakumar rejects Dew’s words as India aims to win World Cup
Meanwhile, the India captain has downplayed the importance of the dew factor ahead of the tournament. He believes that dew is something that no team can control, so the focus should remain on the things that are in the hands of the players and India is well prepared to deal with any situation.
“Dew cannot be controlled. We will control what we can control. We have been doing well batting first and chasing. We will take decisions on big matches. We have played many matches when there is dew. We should ignore that factor,” Suryakumar told reporters.
Since India are the defending champions and have huge expectations from the co-hosts, the captain acknowledged the “pressure” but was relieved to be back in form ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, where they will begin their campaign against the USA on February 7.
The Indian team to defend the title includes Suryakumar, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dubey, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah. Harshit Rana, Varun Chakraborty, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Sundar and Rinku Singh are also part of the team.
