T20 World Cup 2026: 5 Washington Sundar’s Replacement Options: Washington Sundar’s replacement in the team is being planned as he is recovering from a side strain in his left lower rib area, sustained during the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, 2026.
This injury has ruled him out of the entire T20I series, and he is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence alongside Tilak Varma. Due to limited recovery time and the seriousness of the strain, his participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup is now doubtful.
T20 World Cup 2026: 5 Washington Sundar’s Replacement Options
Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag is a strong choice as Washington Sundar’s replacement in the T20I World Cup because he is a fearless batter who can score fast and finish games. He plays spin and pace well and is confident under pressure.
In T20Is in 2024, he scored 106 runs in 6 innings with a strike rate of 151.4, which shows his attacking style. His highest T20I score is 34, and his batting average is 17.7. In the IPL, he has much more experience, with a highest score of 95, an average of 26.1, and a strike rate of 141.8.
Read More
Ayush Badoni
Ayush Badoni is a good option to replace Washington Sundar because he’s a dynamic middle-order batter with excellent power-hitting skills and improving all-around ability, giving depth to the batting lineup.
In T20 cricket overall, he has scored around 1,788 runs in 96 matches with a strike rate of 138-137 and a highest T20 score of 80*, showing he can score quickly under pressure. His batting average around 28-30 reflects consistency, and his experience in the IPL also highlights his ability to perform against top bowlers.
Shahbaz Ahmed
Shahbaz Ahmed is a good Washington Sundar’s replacement for Washington because he offers a similar skill set as a spin-bowling all-rounder who can bat usefully down the order. He adds balance to the team with his left-arm spin and calm batting under pressure.
In T20 cricket, he has scored over 1,000 runs with a strike rate of around 129 and a highest score of 60*, showing he can accelerate when required. His batting average stays in the low 20s, which is reliable for a lower-middle-order player. Along with his bowling control, he fits well as a Washington replacement in T20 conditions.
Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya is a compelling Washington Sundar replacement because of his left-arm spin, power-hitting capability, and experience in high-pressure T20 cricket. He brings depth with the bat and variety with his bowling, which helps control middle overs.
In T20s overall, Krunal has scored over 1,800 runs at a strike rate of around 131–135, with a highest score of 91*, showing he can finish innings. His batting average is in the mid-20s, reflecting useful lower-order contributions. Combined with reliable left-arm spin, Krunal fits well into the World Cup squad balance.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Read More
Nitish Kumar Reddy can be a strong replacement for Washington Sundar in the T20 World Cup because he provides genuine all-round value with both bat and ball. He is an aggressive lower-order batter who can score quickly and handle pressure situations.
In T20 Internationals, he has scored 90 runs in 4 matches with a strike rate of 180, showing his fearless hitting ability. His highest T20I score is 74, and his batting average is 45.00. In overall T20 cricket, he averages around 28 with a strike rate close to 131, making him a reliable and impactful Washington replacement option.
ALSO READ: Inside The Ranks: Jelly Of Team True Rippers
