India's T20 World Cup Dreams CRUMBLED? Bumrah Sick, Key Players Injured!

India's T20 World Cup hopes hang by a thread! Jasprit Bumrah is down with a high fever, while Washington Sundar is just returning from injury. Is this the end of their championship dream?
By Newsroom | Cricket, T20 World Cup |

A Cloudy Start for India's T20 World Cup Campaign

The Indian cricket team, on the cusp of what should be a triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, finds itself shrouded in a palpable unease. While victory against the USA in their opening match was secured, the post-game press conference delivered a sobering reality check. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the impending return of all-rounder Washington Sundar, who has been sidelined with a side strain and rib muscle tear. However, this good news is overshadowed by the alarming revelation that spearhead fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is battling a high fever, and young batsman Abhishek Sharma is "under the weather." With another crucial fixture against Namibia looming, the team's depth and preparedness are being tested far earlier, and more severely, than anyone anticipated. How did we arrive at this precarious juncture, and what does it portend for India's World Cup aspirations?

A Troubling Pattern of Player Health

The narrative of India's T20 World Cup preparation has been increasingly punctuated by concerns over player fitness. This latest health scare for Bumrah and Abhishek, coupled with Sundar's recovery and the earlier loss of fast bowler Harshit Rana due to a knee injury, paints a worrying picture.

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Washington Sundar to link up with India in Delhi before Namibia clash - 1

  • Washington Sundar's Injury Saga: Sundar's journey back to the squad has been fraught with setbacks. He sustained a side strain and a rib muscle tear during the ODI series against New Zealand on January 11, 2026. This injury forced him to miss the subsequent T20I series leading up to the World Cup. Reports suggest he had been undergoing rehabilitation and was seen batting and bowling at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for nearly a week prior to joining the squad. His return is confirmed for the Delhi leg of the tournament, ahead of the February 12 clash against Namibia.

  • Harshit Rana's Ominous Absence: The team's woes were amplified when pacer Harshit Rana was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury sustained during a warm-up match against South Africa on February 4, 2026. This is a significant blow, robbing India of a key pace option. The report indicates his absence will be for a "considerable period."

  • Bumrah and Abhishek's Current Plight: The fresh news of Jasprit Bumrah's high fever and Abhishek Sharma's illness casts a fresh pall over the squad. While captain Yadav expressed confidence that Bumrah would be ready for the next game, the timing is far from ideal. Abhishek's condition, which saw him replaced by Sanju Samson (as 12th man) for fielding duties, also raises questions about his immediate availability and form.

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PlayerCurrent StatusInjury/Illness DetailsImpact on Squad
Washington SundarReturning from injurySide strain & rib muscle tear (sustained Jan 11, 2026)Adds an all-round option; timing of full match fitness uncertain.
Jasprit BumrahIllHigh feverPotential absence of a premier strike bowler; disrupts bowling plans.
Abhishek SharmaUnder the weatherUnspecified illness, fielding duties taken by Sanju SamsonUncertainty over batting lineup and fielding effectiveness; raises questions about squad's overall health.
Harshit RanaRuled out of tournamentKnee injury (sustained Feb 4, 2026)Loss of a key pacer, significantly impacting bowling depth.

The Washington Sundar Conundrum: A Necessary Risk?

Washington Sundar's inclusion, despite his recent injury, is presented as a "pleasant headache" by the captain. This suggests a potential shift in the team's strategic thinking, especially on slower pitches like those potentially encountered in Delhi. Sundar, known for his economical off-spin and handy lower-order batting, has a history of making an impact.

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  • Past Performances: While specific recent match data for Sundar's T20 World Cup journey isn't detailed here, his previous performances, such as the one in the Ranji Trophy where he scored 152 runs and took two wickets for Tamil Nadu against Delhi (reported in October 2024), showcase his all-round capabilities. His ability to strike in the powerplay, as he did in the game against the USA before his injury, is invaluable.

  • Strategic Value: In a tournament setting, having a versatile player like Sundar can be crucial. He can fill multiple roles – a wicket-taking option, a run-saving spinner, and a batsman capable of accelerating the scoring or stabilizing the innings. His reported return to bowling and batting drills at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) implies he's on the cusp of match fitness.

"Washy [Washington] is joining us in Delhi. He is good, everything is fine." - Suryakumar Yadav, India Captain

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But how "fine" is he? Is rushing him back into the high-pressure environment of a World Cup too soon, given the nature of his injury? Will he be at his absolute best, or will the effects of the strain linger, making him a liability in the field or impacting his bowling rhythm?

Washington Sundar to link up with India in Delhi before Namibia clash - 2

The Shadow of Illness: Are We Prepared for the Fallout?

The concurrent illness affecting Bumrah and Abhishek is far more concerning than Sundar's return from a managed injury. The health of key players, particularly a strike bowler of Bumrah's caliber, is paramount to any team's World Cup hopes.

  • Bumrah's Critical Role: Jasprit Bumrah is arguably India's most important bowler across all formats. His ability to deliver crucial wickets at any stage of the innings, coupled with his exceptional economy rate, makes him indispensable. A fever, even if short-lived, can sap a player's energy and affect their performance significantly. How long will it take for him to regain peak physical condition?

  • Abhishek's Uncertain Impact: The details surrounding Abhishek's illness are vague. "Under the weather" can range from a mild cold to something more debilitating. His inability to field suggests it's more than just a minor ailment. This uncertainty directly impacts team selection and fielding capabilities. Was there a lack of stringent health protocols within the bio-bubble, or is this an unfortunate but unavoidable occurrence?

  • Rana's Replacement Void: The loss of Harshit Rana leaves a significant gap in the pace bowling department. Who will step up to fill that role consistently? Have the selectors anticipated such scenarios and prepared backup options thoroughly, or are they scrambling?

Looking Ahead: A Precarious Path to Glory?

The T20 World Cup is a marathon, not a sprint. While India has navigated their first match, the road ahead appears to be paved with challenges related to player fitness and availability. The team management faces a delicate balancing act:

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  • Decision-Making Dilemma: How will the team management decide on the playing XI for the Namibia match, especially concerning Bumrah and Abhishek? Will they risk playing them if not 100% fit, or will they rely on the bench strength, which has now been tested by Rana's absence?

  • Injury Management Protocols: This series of unfortunate events raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the team's pre-tournament conditioning, injury management, and bio-bubble health protocols. Were players pushed too hard in the lead-up? Were there sufficient rest periods?

  • Psychological Impact: The mental toll on players battling illness and injuries, as well as on their teammates, cannot be underestimated. How will the squad maintain morale and focus amidst such adversity?

The positive news of Washington Sundar's imminent return is a much-needed boost, but it arrives amidst a backdrop of significant concern for Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma. The T20 World Cup 2026 has barely begun for India, yet the foundations of their campaign are already showing cracks. The coming days will be a true test of the team's resilience, adaptability, and the depth of their talent pool. Will they emerge stronger from this early trial by fire, or will these early setbacks prove to be an insurmountable hurdle on their quest for the coveted trophy? The answers lie in how effectively the team navigates these critical health challenges in the days and weeks to come.

Read More: England's World Cup Chances Lower After Losing to West Indies

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Jasprit Bumrah playing in the next T20 World Cup match?
Jasprit Bumrah is currently battling a high fever, casting doubt on his availability for India's next crucial fixture.
Q: Who else is injured or sick in the Indian squad?
All-rounder Washington Sundar is returning from a side strain and rib tear, while young batsman Abhishek Sharma is also unwell. Pacer Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.
Q: How serious is Washington Sundar's return?
While Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Sundar's return, his match fitness after a significant injury remains a concern for the team management.
Q: What does this mean for India's T20 World Cup chances?
With key players sidelined or returning from injury, India's squad depth and preparedness are severely tested, raising serious questions about their ability to win the T20 World Cup.