India kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a 29-run win over the USA, but the team is already dealing with injuries and illness. While the defending champions secured a strong start, several players have been unavailable or unwell, creating challenges for the squad.
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah missed the Wankhede game against the USA due to a viral fever. Opener Abhishek Sharma also struggled, fighting a fever during his T20 World Cup debut. Sharma could not make an impact with the bat, scoring a golden duck, and later skipped the field in the second innings because of an upset stomach. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Sharma was unwell while batting and praised his effort to contribute despite feeling sick.
Mindless batting of team India..!! 🤯
In the big tournaments, you should bat with more responsibility.
In last 6 T20, Abhishek Sharma out three times on golden duck.
He is trying to hit first ball six. You can’t hit every ball six. pic.twitter.com/467iyNsg3c
— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) February 8, 2026
On a positive note, all-rounder Washington Sundar is set to join the squad ahead of India’s next game against Namibia on February 12 in New Delhi. Sundar had missed the early T20 World Cup matches due to a side strain and rib injury suffered during the ODI series against New Zealand. The Tamil Nadu player completed an intensive rehabilitation program and Return-to-Play protocols, and has been training at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. For nearly a week, he has been batting and bowling without issues, and Yadav confirmed he is fit to join the team in Delhi.
SKY has officially confirmed the return of Washington Sundar:🚨🗣️
“Washington Sundar is fit and will be joining the squad directly in Delhi. He’s good. Everything is fine. We wanted to be patient with him and didn’t want to rush with replacements. Washi is a key part of our… pic.twitter.com/i8L0T5GwEf
— sportified (@adi25611) February 8, 2026
India has also lost pacer Harshit Rana, who is sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to be out for a long period. Despite these setbacks, India showed resilience against the USA. After a top-order collapse left the team struggling at 77/6, Suryakumar Yadav played a captain’s innings, scoring 84 runs off 49 balls. His performance helped India reach 161/9, which the bowlers defended by restricting the USA to 132/8, securing the team’s first points of the tournament.
Just imagine if this man was playing this match 😳🔥
Jasprit Bumrah the 🐐 #INDvsUSA #T20WC pic.twitter.com/mv1I2G3Xed
— 𝙉𝙄𝙎𝙃𝘼𝙉𝙏 🏏 (@_Cric_Addicted_) February 7, 2026
The Indian team now faces a crucial phase as they manage injuries and illness while aiming to maintain momentum. With Washington Sundar returning and other key players recovering, India will hope to stay competitive and keep their title defense on track as the T20 World Cup progresses.
Also read : Eng vs Nep Live Streaming, T20 World Cup : When, Where and How to Watch England vs Nepal Live on TV & Online
