When will Washington Sundar join Team India in T20 World Cup 2026? Suryakumar Yadav reveals

Washington Sundar missed the India’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener against USA due to injury.

India kicked off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in style with a commanding 29-run victory over the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, 2026. The defending champions, led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, overcame a shaky start to post a competitive total and then restricted the hosts-turned-opponents effectively.

USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and elected to field first on a two-paced pitch that offered grip and variable bounce. India suffered early setbacks, slumping to 46/4 in the powerplay and further to 77/6 by the 13th over, with Abhishek Sharma dismissed for a golden duck, and others proving insufficient against a disciplined USA attack. Shadley van Schalkwyk starred with 4/25, while Harmeet Singh chipped in with 2/26.

However, Suryakumar Yadav delivered a masterful captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 84 off 49 balls, laced with 10 fours and four sixes. His composed yet aggressive innings, including a explosive final over where he smashed 21 runs off Saurabh Netravalkar propelled India to 161/9. This proved above par on the challenging surface.

In reply, USA were dented early, losing three wickets inside the powerplay to slip to 13/3. Milind Kumar (34) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (37) provided resistance with a 58-run stand for the fourth wicket, but the required rate climbed steadily. Barring Hardik Pandya, all other Indian bowlers enjoyed a successful day as USA finished at 132/8.

Suryakumar Yadav reveals about Washington Sundar’s comeback

In a significant post-match development during his interview, Suryakumar Yadav provided a positive update on all-rounder Washington Sundar, who has been sidelined with a side strain since January. The skipper confirmed that Sundar is now fit and will join the team in Delhi for upcoming matches.

“I think after winning also, you get to learn a lot of things. And today we learned that we could have batted a little better or maybe a little smarter. Those small, small partnerships could have got us to 160 rather than one batter or two batter trying to play it till the end. But at the same time, it’s okay.

We sit around aaram se [sit relaxed], we have a lot of time, five days for the next game and we’ll come back stronger. (injury update on Bumrah and Washi) Washi is joining us in Delhi. He’s good. Everything is fine. Bumrah, he was having high fever due to because of weather, like how Abhishek was under the weather. But rest, everything is good,” said captain Surya Kumar Yadav during the post-match press conference.

This boost strengthens India’s spin-bowling and lower-order options as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead in the tournament. With Harshit Rana ruled out, Sundar could play a vital role for team India on pitches which are slow and helpful for spinners.

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