Top News

India's injury woes have worsened at the worst possible time since there are only about three weeks to go before the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7. Middle-order batter Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand, leading to speculation about whether he is fit for the global event. The BCCI said that recovery was progressing well, but any further delay might jeopardize his chances for the World Cup.

 

Washington Sundar, another all-rounder named in the Indian T20 World Cup squad, is also under an injury cloud after a knock picked up during the ODI series against New Zealand. He has now been ruled out of the T20Is, which means that if he fails to recover in time, it may force India into a last-minute change.

 

These scenarios have not recently become part of Indian cricket.

 

Also Read | Hunger of Rohit Sharma for 2027 World Cup questioned after disatisfactory NZ series

 

5 Players who missed the World Cup

 

Jasprit Bumrah - T20 World Cup 2022

 

Bumrah missed the 2022 T20 World Cup after sustaining an injury to his back. He was a part of the squad at the start of the tournament but was ruled out even before the T20 World Cup. Mohammed Shami replaced him at the 11th hour.

 

Virender Sehwag - 2009 and 2010 T20 World Cups

 

Virender Sehwag had injury issues in the initial years of the T20 World Cup. In 2009, the player missed out on the action due to a shoulder injury and repeated that in 2010 for the same reason. Murali Vijay stepped into his shoes for that squad.

 

Axar Patel - World Cup 2023

 

Axar Patel, T20 vice-captain for India, was included in the 2023 World Cup squad, but he suffered injury before the tournament started. This led to him being ultimately replaced by the able Ravichandran Ashwin, India's most experienced spinner.

 

Ishant Sharma - ODI World Cup 2015

 

Fast bowler Ishant Sharma missed the ODI World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand due to knee injury. He was replaced by Mohit Sharma.

 

Praveen Kumar - ODI World Cup 2011

 

Praveen Kumar forms a part of India’s World Cup-winning squad in 2011 but played no matches after injuring his elbow before the tournament. S Sreesanth was picked as his replacement in the final squad.

 

Also Read | Pat Cummins to miss start of 2026 T20 World Cup in India, confirmed

 

Yet Another Familiar Trial for India

 

With Varma racing against time and Sundar's fitness in doubt, yet again it becomes a risk for India to reshuffle plans just before a World Cup-something that they have gone through many times.