As per reports, the Indian selectors in the BCCI are concerned with Washington Sundar’s recovery and have hence started looking for backup options for the all-rounder. Riyan Parag has emerged as a frontrunning candidate, with other options to be explored through a warm-up match.
India have been the most promising T20I side since the 2024 T20 World Cup; however, their flawless campaign have been blocked by several injuries ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. Injuries have been a major concern with several players from the defending champions’ 15-member squad for the World Cup.
Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar are among the foremost who are struggling with injury concerns ahead of the marquee tournament. With Varma’s recovery on track, the main concern has been Sundar. Moreover, Axar Patel also suffered a freak injury during the First T20I against NZ.
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BCCI is planning to schedule a warm-up match ahead of the World Cup
India will begin their World Cup campaign on the 7th of February, and after the NZ series, they do not have a warm-up match scheduled ahead of the start of the World Cup. However, India would look to have one last match to check their resources, given the team’s latest struggles with injury.
TOI has claimed that the BCCI is planning to schedule a warm-up match against the runners-up of the previous editon South Africa, or the India A team for an intra-squad game.
The Indian team is supposed to assemble in Mumbai on the 2nd of February for the World Cup, and the BCCI is planning a match on the 4th of February. If the warm-up game takes place, it is likely to take place in the Brabourne Stadium.
Indian selectors in the quest for Washington Sundar’s backup
As learned through the report, the BCCI and the Indian selectors are currently looking for backups for Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar. While Tilak’s recovery is on track and he is likely to be in his prime before the second World Cup clash for India, Sundar’s recovery has been delayed.
“Washington’s recovery from the side strain is taking longer than expected. The selectors are preparing for a situation where he is unable to be fit in the initial matches of the World Cup.
“Tilak’s recovery has been good. His return to play is being chalked out at the moment. The team management is confident he will be in prime shape by the second match on Feb 12. The selectors want the team to settle down by the match against Pakistan in Colombo on Feb 15,” a BCCI source said.
Ravi Bishnoi has featured as Washington Sundar’s replacement in the Indian squad for the NZ T20I series. He fielded as a replacement for Axar Patel in the first match and then played in the third match of the series. He picked up 2 wickets, giving away just 18 runs on his comeback.
Riyan Parag is cited as a like-for-like replacement for Sundar
Riyan Parag, the Indian all-rounder who is currently recovering from a shoulder injury at the BCCI CoE, has been asked to be ready for the warm-up match if the need arises. The CoE have been instructed to prepare Parag for a return and has asked him to be available in Mumbai on the 2nd of February.
It has been learned that Riyan Parag is scheduled to play two simulation matches on the 28th and 30th of January before he is cleared by the CoE on the 31st of January. The selectors concerned about Washington’s availability have found a like-for-like replacement in Riyan Parag.
Sundar, who had injured the muscle between his ribs and lower back, could not be available for the entire stretch of the IPL as well if his recovery is hurried, and hence, the BCCI is not looking to take any chances with the cricket. However, several other players would also be assessed alongside Riyan Parag in the warm-up match.
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