Washington Sundar Begins Light Batting at BCCI CoE During Rib Injury Rehabilitation

India all-rounder Washington Sundar has taken a positive step in his recovery from a rib injury by resuming batting practice at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), offering encouragement ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup. The 26-year-old has begun light batting sessions in the nets as part of a carefully monitored rehabilitation programme.

A source familiar with the development said Sundar has started batting at very low intensity, describing the progress as reassuring given the nature of the injury. The source added that some discomfort around the rib area is expected initially, as Sundar had been inactive for a period, but indicated that the all-rounder is on track to gradually increase his workload as he moves closer to full recovery.

Sundar has been sidelined since January 11, when he experienced acute discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first One-Day International against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. He was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series as well as the ongoing T20I series, raising concerns over his availability ahead of the global tournament.

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Following the injury, Sundar consulted noted orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala in Mumbai before returning to Chennai for rest. He later reported to the CoE in Bengaluru on January 20 to begin his structured rehabilitation under the supervision of the BCCI’s medical and fitness staff, with a focus on gradual and controlled progression.

While there is no clarity yet on when Sundar will resume bowling, his workload in skill training is expected to be increased cautiously. Team management is keen to avoid rushing his return, given his importance to India’s T20 World Cup plans. Since making his T20I debut in 2017, Sundar has featured in 58 matches, taking 51 wickets at an economy rate of 6.91 and contributing 254 runs, underscoring his value as a dependable spin-bowling all-rounder.

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