Washington Sundar Injury Update: Serious Concern, CoE Visit Next, T20 World Cup 2026 in Doubt

The Indian cricket team may face a shock as Washington Sundar’s injury has turned out to be more serious than anticipated. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder got a rib injury during the IND vs NZ 1st ODI and was excluded from the rest of the series and T20Is as well. But according to recent reports, Sundar’s injury may be even more serious than anticipated, and he will be in a race against time to be able to play in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Washington Sundar Injury Turns Serious, CoE Assessment to Decide T20 World Cup 2026 Fate

According to The Times of India, sources have indicated that Sundar may have a serious injury and that he will need to travel to the Centre of Excellence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for further rehabilitation. The publication indicated that Sundar is expected to arrive in Bengaluru at the weekend. The source asserted that Sundar will be evaluated by medical staff at the Centre of Excellence of the BCCI.

 The source said that,

“The initial assessment and impression were of a regular side strain, but it looks much more serious than that at this stage. A thorough assessment at the CoE will give more clarity on the timelines. He will be reaching the facility this weekend, and then the BCCI medical team will chart the way forward. There is pain at the moment, and it’s an acute injury. But the grading and all will be revealed only at CoE, which would then decide the various RTP protocols,”

Sundar, who has been included in the 15-man squad for the big tournament, has been replaced by Ayush Badoni in the remaining matches of the IND vs NZ ODI series. According to an official with the BCCI, though the squad does not want to get the player rushed back into the tournament, he could definitely make an appearance in the second half of the T20 World Cup, depending on how he feels and what the BCCI medical staff has to say about his condition. It must be noted here that the squads can be modified until January 31st.

BCCI official said that,

“Sundar is a very crucial player for the Indian team. He is a three format player, played domestic games before the ODI series, and the last thing you would want is to rush him back. The medical team needs to ascertain whether it’s just a side strain or something with the ribs. Only an expert can answer that. So if there is a possibility of Sundar featuring even in the later half of the tournament, the think tank will stick to him,”