Washington Sundar's T20 World Cup Participation Hinges on Crucial Fitness Test
NEW DELHI: The Indian cricket team's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup face a significant uncertainty as spin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar is scheduled to undergo a critical fitness test at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on February 4. This assessment comes just three days before India's World Cup campaign begins on February 7, making it a decisive moment for both the player and the team management.
Injury Recovery Proceeding Slower Than Anticipated
Washington Sundar's availability for the prestigious tournament is currently under a cloud of doubt due to his prolonged recovery from a side strain injury. The allrounder sustained this setback during the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, and his rehabilitation has taken considerably longer than initially projected by medical experts.
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not officially disclosed the precise nature of the injury, reliable sources within the board have indicated that Washington has suffered a muscle tear near the ribs at the back. This type of injury typically requires careful management and sufficient healing time before a player can resume competitive cricket.
Team Management Adopts Patient Approach
The Indian team management and selectors are demonstrating remarkable patience regarding Washington's situation. According to informed sources, they are willing to await the official medical update following the February 4 fitness test before considering any backup plans. This cautious approach underscores Washington's value to the team composition and the management's confidence in his abilities when fit.
"Washington's injury needs to heal naturally before he can enter the return-to-play process," revealed a BCCI source familiar with the rehabilitation program. This statement highlights the medical team's emphasis on proper recovery rather than rushing the player back prematurely.
Tournament Regulations Allow Flexibility
Teams participating in the T20 World Cup are permitted to make changes to their squads until January 30 under normal circumstances. However, tournament regulations provide additional flexibility by allowing injury replacements even during the competition, provided such changes receive approval from the tournament's technical committee. This provision gives the Indian team some breathing room as they monitor Washington's progress.
The source further elaborated on the team's thinking, stating, "If Washington can be fit for the later stages of the World Cup, the team may wait for him." This suggests that the management views him as potentially crucial for the knockout phases of the tournament.
Team Preparations Continue Amid Uncertainty
Meanwhile, the Indian team is scheduled to assemble in Mumbai for their first training session on February 3. They will then play a warm-up match against South Africa on February 4, the same day as Washington's fitness test in Bengaluru. The team appears to have struck a reasonable balance even without a specialist spin-bowling allrounder, as demonstrated in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand where vice-captain Axar Patel has been absent from the playing eleven.
At the Centre of Excellence, other players are continuing their preparations. On Wednesday, Tilak Varma and Riyan Parag participated in a simulation match, while Washington did not engage in any intense drills, focusing instead on his recovery. Riyan Parag is considered a potential like-for-like replacement for Washington should the need arise, though the team management seems inclined to give the original selection every possible chance to prove his fitness.
The February 4 fitness test will provide crucial insights into Washington Sundar's recovery rate and his potential timeline for returning to competitive cricket. As the T20 World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Bengaluru where this assessment could determine whether one of India's promising allrounders will feature in the global tournament or watch from the sidelines.
