Washington Sundar is on his way back. India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the off-spinning all-rounder will link up with the squad in Delhi ahead of the 12 February group match against Namibia.
“Washy is joining us in Delhi,” Suryakumar said minutes after India’s 29-run win over the USA in Mumbai. “He is good, everything is fine.”
Key facts first
• Sundar has been out since pulling a side muscle during the opening ODI against New Zealand a fortnight ago.
• India did not name a World T20 replacement, judging the strain to be short-term and, if truth be told, seeing him as back-up rather than automatic starter.
• Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier quick, missed the USA fixture with illness but is expected to recover quickly.
On Bumrah, Suryakumar explained: “He was having a high fever because of the weather, like how Abhishek [Sharma] was under the weather. But the rest everything is good.”
How the USA match unfolded
For half the evening India flirted with trouble. At 77 for 6 they looked in genuine danger before Suryakumar’s unbeaten 84 from 49 balls hauled the total to 161 for 9—a score that proved plenty on a slightly two-paced Wankhede surface.
“Only I can tell how much pressure I was feeling,” he admitted. “But at the same time, I had the belief that I had batted in similar situations… I knew if I bat till the end, I can make a difference.”
Pitch, preparation and lessons learned
Late-season Mumbai weather, unusually cloudy, left the ground staff short of sun and therefore time to roll or water the strip properly. Suryakumar did not use that as a shield.
“It was a little different wicket from what it is always at the Wankhede,” he said. “We cannot be brushing everything under the carpet. We could have batted a little better.”
Even in victory the captain struck a reflective note: “After winning also you get to learn a lot of things… Two small-small partnerships could have got us to 160 rather than one batter or two batters trying to play till the end.”
Analysis—what Sundar’s return means
India’s XI already packs three spinners, but Sundar offers something slightly different: power-play overs that skid on, plus calm lower-order batting. With Namibia bringing several left-handers, the management may be tempted to slot him straight in, perhaps at the expense of a seam-bowling all-rounder.
Bumrah’s absence was felt only mildly against an inexperienced USA batting card; against stronger opponents he is indispensable. Medical staff are confident the fever will subside in a day or two, leaving him a clear run-up to Delhi.
Looking ahead
India sit top of their pool, yet the scare against the USA serves as a handy reminder that conditions—and complacency—can level teams quickly in T20 cricket. Sundar’s return expands tactical options; Bumrah’s health remains the more critical watch-point.
