3 players who can replace Washington Sundar in India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad if he gets ruled

India’s spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out due to injury from the five-match 20-20 series against New Zealand. Sundar suffered the injury during the first ODI match in Vadodara. He will need a few more weeks time to recover from his injury. It is currently unclear whether Sundar will be fit in time for the 2026 ICC Men’s 20-20 World Cup.

Washington's recovery will take time

The five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand begins at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on January 21. This is part of both countries' preparations for the T20 World Cup, which begins from the 7th of February onwards. Washington is expected to report to the Centre of Excellence (COI) in Bengaluru on and will learn more about his recovery timeline once he arrives.

Ayush Badoni got the place

In such a situation, the question arises that if Washington is also out of the T20 World Cup, who can take his place? The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has included 26-year-old Ayush Badoni in place of Sundar in the ODI team, giving him a place in the national team for the first time. In such a situation, he can also be given a chance in the T20 team. Apart from him, Shahbaz Ahmed is the second option. Shahbaz has already made his ODI and T20 debut for India. He has taken three wickets in three ODIs and two wickets in two T20 Internationals.

Ryan Parag can also be an option

Riyan Parag has been away from cricket for some time due to injury. He did not even participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. If he is fit, he could be a good replacement for Washington Sundar. Parag, besides being able to bowl three or four overs in T20s, also has the ability to bat well. He has also scored over 500 runs in a single IPL season.

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