Team India’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have been slightly disrupted after concerns emerged around Washington Sundar’s fitness. The off-spinning all-rounder, who is already part of India’s 15-member World Cup squad, has been ruled out of recent international fixtures due to injury. While the BCCI is hopeful of his recovery, selectors are also keeping contingency plans ready in case Sundar fails to regain full fitness before the tournament.
Washington Sundar plays a crucial role in India’s T20 setup. His ability to bowl economically in the powerplay, contribute with the bat in the lower middle order, and provide flexibility in team combination makes him a valuable asset. If he is ruled out, India will need a replacement who can either replicate his balance or strengthen another department without disturbing the overall structure of the squad.
Players Who Can Replace the Injured Washington Sundar
Here are seven updated and realistic players who could replace Washington Sundar in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad.
1. Ayush Badoni
Ayush Badoni has emerged as one of the strongest contenders to step in if Sundar is unavailable. The young all-rounder has impressed with his calm batting under pressure and his ability to bowl part-time off-spin when required.
Badoni’s biggest advantage is his adaptability — he can bat anywhere in the middle order and still offer bowling options, making him a near like-for-like utility replacement. The Indian team management has already shown trust in him across white-ball formats, which keeps him firmly in contention.
2. Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag is another name high on the selectors’ radar. Over the last year, Parag has transformed his image from a raw talent into a dependable middle-order batter who can also contribute with spin.
His aggressive batting suits modern T20 demands, and his ability to bowl a few overs gives India flexibility if they want to boost batting firepower without completely sacrificing bowling depth. Parag’s recent consistency makes him a serious option if India opts for a more attacking replacement.
3. Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy offers a slightly different but equally interesting option. Unlike Sundar, Reddy is a seam-bowling all-rounder, which could allow India to vary their bowling combination depending on conditions.
He has shown the ability to score quick runs and bowl effective medium pace in pressure situations. If Indian selectors decide to replace spin balance with pace-based versatility, Nitish Kumar Reddy could be the surprise call-up.
4. Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer remains a strong contender if India chooses to replace Sundar with an extra specialist batter. Although he does not bowl, Iyer’s experience and composure in high-pressure tournaments cannot be overlooked.
His inclusion would allow India to strengthen their middle order and redistribute bowling responsibilities among existing all-rounders. In knockout games, that added batting stability could be a decisive factor.
5. Vipraj Nigam
Vipraj Nigam is one of the emerging names who could be viewed as a bold selection. The young all-rounder has caught attention in domestic cricket with his disciplined off-spin and handy lower-order batting.
While he lacks international exposure, selectors may see him as an X-factor option, especially on spin-friendly surfaces where control and variation matter more than raw pace.
6. Shahbaz Ahmed
Shahbaz Ahmed is another realistic option if balance remains the top priority. A left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, Shahbaz offers control with the ball and the ability to rotate strike with the bat. He may not provide explosive batting, but his role-clarity and discipline could appeal to selectors looking for a low-risk replacement who can slot into the XI without major tactical changes.
7. Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia completes the list of potential replacements. Known for his finishing ability in T20 cricket, Tewatia also brings leg-spin as a secondary skill. His experience in pressure situations and knack for delivering in crunch moments make him a viable option if India wants to prioritise match-winning impact over strict role similarity.
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