Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar could miss out on selection for the T20 World Cup 2026 as the national selectors grapple with team balance concerns, particularly amid the inconsistent form of senior batters Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, according to a report.
The report suggests that the selectors are currently torn between Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh, with most of the spots in the 15-member World Cup squad already close to being finalised. Washington was included in the recent T20I series against South Africa primarily for his all-round abilities, but the same logic may not necessarily apply to the World Cup setup.
Why Rinku Singh Could Edge Ahead
Selectors are reportedly considering Rinku Singh as a backup batting option in case Suryakumar or Gill fail to deliver at the global event. In such a scenario, India could opt for three specialist spinners and an additional batter, pushing Washington out of contention despite his versatility.
However, Washington Sundar’s chances are far from over. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is known to prefer players who can perform multiple roles, which could work in Washington’s favour. His ability to contribute both with the bat and ball gives the team flexibility, especially in varying conditions.
Finisher Role Also a Factor
Rinku’s inclusion may further depend on whether the selectors feel that Hardik Pandya and Jitesh Sharma provide sufficient depth in the finisher’s role. If the committee is confident in their finishing options, Washington’s all-round value could outweigh the need for an extra specialist batter.
Concerns Over Senior Batters
The indifferent form of Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20 captain, and his deputy Shubman Gill remains a major concern. Still, the selection committee is unlikely to make dramatic changes when it names the provisional 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup on Saturday.
Notably, the BCCI retains the right to replace any of the selected players until the tournament begins on February 7. A similar move was made earlier this year during the Champions Trophy, when Varun Chakravarthy replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal after slow pitches in Dubai prompted a rethink.
Is This Suryakumar’s Last T20 World Cup?
While no official statement has been made, there is a growing belief within the BCCI that the 2026 T20 World Cup could be Suryakumar Yadav’s last as India’s T20 captain. At 35, and after enduring a lean patch spanning nearly 14 months and 24 matches, his place appears secure largely due to his leadership role.
Gill Under Pressure, Jaiswal Waiting
Gill’s position has also come under repeated scrutiny, with Yashasvi Jaiswal knocking on the door after impressive performances. There is speculation that Jaiswal could be named as an extra player for the upcoming New Zealand T20 series, allowing selectors to closely monitor him as a backup option.
The T20 squad selected for New Zealand is expected to mirror the World Cup squad, making the upcoming announcement crucial for players on the fringe.
As India fine-tunes its combination for the marquee event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the final call on Washington Sundar versus Rinku Singh could hinge on form, team balance, and the management’s long-term vision.