India all-rounder Washington Sundar is scheduled to undergo a crucial fitness test at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on February 4, just three days before India begin their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7.
Washington's availability for the tournament remains uncertain, with his recovery from a side strain taking longer than anticipated. The injury was sustained during the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11 and has since kept him out of competitive action.
According to sources, the Indian team management and selectors are willing to wait for an official medical update before activating contingency plans. Although teams are permitted to make squad changes until January 30, injury replacements can still be approved
during the tournament, subject to clearance from the event's technical committee.
The Indian squad is scheduled to assemble in Mumbai on February 3 for its first training session, followed by a warm-up match against South Africa on February 4.
Washington's fitness assessment is expected to offer greater clarity on the pace of his recovery. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not officially disclosed the nature of the injury, sources indicate that the all-rounder is dealing with a muscle tear near the ribs on his back.
On Wednesday, Tilak Varma and Riyan Parag took part in a simulation match at the CoE, while Washington refrained from any high-intensity drills. A BCCI source said the injury requires natural healing before he can begin the structured return-to-play process. Tilak is expected to link up with the squad ahead of the warm-up fixture.
Despite Washington's uncertain status, the Indian team appears relatively settled. The side has managed balance even without vice-captain Axar Patel featuring in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. Parag is seen as a like-for-like option for Washington, though the team management believes it has found workable combinations even without a spin-bowling all-rounder.
"If Washington can be fit for the later stages of the World Cup, the team may wait for him," the
source added.
For now, India's approach remains one of patience, balancing squad stability against the potential value Washington Sundar could bring if he regains full fitness in time.
