India’s narrow escape against the United States in their T20 World Cup opener has underlined the importance of balance and flexibility in their playing XI — and help is on the way. All-rounder Washington Sundar is set to rejoin the squad ahead of India’s second group-stage match against Namibia, captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed after the win.
India were unexpectedly pushed into trouble against the USA after collapsing to 77 for 6 in the 13th over. Despite the early chaos, Suryakumar Yadav produced a captain’s rescue act, scoring an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls to lift India to a defendable total of 161. The bowlers then ensured there were no further surprises, restricting the USA to 132 for 8.
The return of Sundar is expected to strengthen India’s middle overs and add depth to both departments. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder has been sidelined since the ODI series against New Zealand, where he suffered a side strain and rib muscle tear. He subsequently missed the five-match T20I series that followed and underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
After completing all return-to-play protocols, Sundar has been batting and bowling without discomfort for over a week and has now been cleared by the medical and sports science team. He will link up with the squad in Delhi ahead of the Namibia match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
India’s team composition has already been impacted by injuries, with pacer Harshit Rana ruled out due to a knee issue and Jasprit Bumrah missing the opening game because of illness. Sundar’s availability gives the team a crucial spin-bowling option and a reliable lower-order batting presence — an approach head coach Gautam Gambhir has increasingly favoured.
His return could spell trouble for Rinku Singh, who struggled for fluency against the USA, scoring just six runs off 14 balls. With Sundar offering consistent contributions with both bat and ball, India may opt for a more versatile combination as the tournament progresses.
India’s next assignment comes on February 12 against Namibia, where they will look to iron out their batting inconsistencies and build momentum early in the competition.