Team India have received a boost ahead of the T20 World Cup. You now see Tilak Varma close to full fitness, while Washington Sundar has also started his recovery process.
Tilak Varma nearing return
Tilak Varma is training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after abdominal surgery. You can expect him to play a practice simulation match on Friday. If things go well, he should join the squad in Mumbai by February 3.
Missed New Zealand series
Tilak missed the New Zealand T20I series due to injury. You saw Shreyas Iyer added as his replacement during that period, giving the team short-term cover in the middle order.
Washington Sundar back in training
Washington Sundar has resumed training and returned to batting. You will soon see him start bowling again after recovering from a small fracture. His full match fitness is still being monitored closely.
Doubt over first match
The team management is hopeful Sundar will play in the World Cup. You still do not have clarity on his availability for the opening match against the USA, which remains uncertain.
Warm up matches in Mumbai
After the New Zealand series, the Indian team will regroup in Mumbai. You will see two warm up matches before the tournament begins on February 7.
India’s group fixtures
India will face the USA first, then Namibia. You will then see the big match against Pakistan on February 15, followed by the Netherlands on February 18.
Importance of Sundar’s role
Sundar is India’s only off spinner in the squad. You can expect him to bowl in the powerplay, especially on slower pitches. Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav are set to control the middle overs.
Concerns over recent form
The main concern is Sundar’s recent T20 form. You have seen him struggle with both bat and ball. The team still backs him because there are no strong off spin alternatives available.
Batting boost for India
Tilak’s return strengthens India’s batting depth. You now see that with Sundar, fitness alone is not enough. His form will decide his impact as the World Cup gets closer.
