Team India faced a huge set-back on Sunday, January 11, as all-rounder Washington Sundar suffered a rib injury during the first ODI against New Zealand
in Vadodara. Upon medical observation, it was revealed that Sundar won’t be able to take part in the remaining two ODIs. More recently, though, it came to light that the Tamil Nadu cricketer has been ruled out of the subsequent five T20Is as well.
The injury, thus, has cast doubt on his participation in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Being a vital cog in the Indian team, it will not be an easy task to find an ideal replacement of Sundar in the unit for the 20-team global tournament. However, a few players, who remain on the sidelines are eagerly waiting for an opportunity to showcase their worth. Today, CricTracker will have a look at three such names.
Here are 3 replacement options for Washington Sundar in India’s T20 squad
3. Ramandeep Singh
Ramandeep Singh made his India debut in 2025, but was later sidelined as the mainstay all-rounders returned to their duties with the Men in Blue. He does not have a lot of experience in international cricket, but certainly has the exposure to play against strong oppositions with his stints in the Indian Premier League, where he has represented Mumbai Indians in the past and plays for Kolkata Knight Riders right now.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the Punjab cricketer showcased his all-round abilities to garner 209 runs at a stupendous strike-rate of 195.32, coupling that with nine wickets while bowling. He also had a match-winning performance in Punjab’s last match of the season. With such strong performances in the 20-over cricket lately, the selectors can certainly mull their heads over Ramandeep as an ideal replacement for Sundar heading into the T20 World Cup.
2. Riyan Parag
Assam cricketer Riyan Parag is a name that creates a lot of curiosity among Indian fans. He does show a bit of laid-back approach, but his temperament and prowess as an all-rounder has earned him immense success in domestic cricket. Over the last couple of years, he has shown maturity, where he also got to captain Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. The Guwahati-born made his India debut in 2024, and has played nine T20Is thus far.
There is one catch, though. Parag has been very prone to injuries, which kept him away from international cricket in the whole of 2025. If he can get fit just in time, and impress the selectors of his readiness to play for the Indian team once again, he might be seen making a fierce comeback ahead of the crucial T20 World Cup.
1. Krunal Pandya
A spin-bowling all-rounder who can do some fierce hitting as a finisher, Krunal Pandya has loads of experience in playing T20 cricket. He played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their title-winning 2025 season, and was Player of the Match in the final, for his tight bowling under extreme pressure. The Ahmedabad-born also turned up for Baroda in the recent SMAT and Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he also impressed with runs as well as wickets.
Krunal had last donned the Indian jersey way back in 2021, but consistent performances have helped his case to remain relevant despite being sidelined for many years. The 34-year-old also brings leadership qualities to the side, and the team management would certainly fancy having someone like him as a like-for-like replacement for Sundar.
