Optimism around Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma grows as India prepare for the T20 World Cup, with both players on track for recovery ahead of the tournament.
Optimism Around Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma as India Build Towards World Cup
There is growing optimism around Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma as India continue preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. Both players are progressing well in recovery, offering a timely boost to the Indian camp ahead of the marquee ICC event.
India will kick off their World Cup title defence against USA in Mumbai on the opening day of the tournament.
Washington Sundar on Track for World Cup Return
Washington Sundar is firmly on the road to recovery and is expected to be fit in time for the T20 World Cup. The 26-year-old all-rounder has been sidelined since the first ODI against New Zealand in Baroda on January 11, after experiencing discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling.
Sundar has been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, under the supervision of the BCCI medical team. Sources close to the selection committee have indicated that there is no reason to believe he will miss the World Cup.
While ruling him out of the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, the BCCI had confirmed that Sundar would undergo further scans and expert consultation. Since then, his recovery has progressed steadily, keeping selectors optimistic about his availability.
Tilak Varma Expected Back for Warm-up Game
There is similar optimism around Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma, with the Hyderabad batter also nearing full fitness. Tilak Varma underwent minor abdominal surgery earlier this month and is expected to return in time for India’s World Cup warm-up match.
According to a recent BCCI update, Tilak was discharged from hospital shortly after the procedure and has since been recovering well. He is set to resume physical training gradually before returning to full skill-based sessions once wound healing is complete.
Selectors are hopeful that Tilak Varma will be available for the warm-up game against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium on February 4, a crucial final test before the tournament begins.
India’s World Cup Build-Up Schedule
Following the conclusion of the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand on January 31, the Indian squad will regroup in Mumbai on February 3. A warm-up fixture against South Africa on February 4 will offer the team a final opportunity to assess combinations and fitness before the World Cup opener.
Whether Washington Sundar features in that practice match remains uncertain, but his overall availability for the tournament is not under serious doubt.
Selectors Back Sanju Samson Despite Lean Patch
The selection committee continues to back Sanju Samson despite his underwhelming performances in the ongoing series. The wicketkeeper-batter, preferred over Shubman Gill for the World Cup squad, has managed scores of 10, 6, 0, and 24 so far.
While Ishan Kishan may emerge as the first-choice opener during the World Cup, Samson’s place in the squad appears secure, with no immediate plans to replace him.
Debate Continues Over Shubman Gill’s Omission
Shubman Gill’s absence from the World Cup squad has sparked debate, with former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin publicly backing the young batter.
Azharuddin stated that Gill deserved a place in the T20 setup, calling him an outstanding all-format player and expressing disappointment at his omission. Despite such backing, the selectors have shown no indication of revisiting their decision.
India T20 World Cup Squad
India’s squad for the T20 World Cup reflects a balance of experience and youth, with fitness updates on key players being closely monitored.
World Cup Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wk)
