Ryan Ten Doeschate drops massive fitness updates on Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Abhishek Sharma ahead of IND vs PAK T20 World Cup clash

Team India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate has offered provided crucial updates on the fitness of Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Abhishek Sharma ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Namibia. All three players have recently been under a cloud of uncertainty due to varying injury and health concerns. While Abhishek was able to feature in India's opening fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026, both Bumrah and Sundar were notably absent from the playing XI in the previous match as they managed their respective recoveries.

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Crucial fitness updates on Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Abhishek Sharma

Speaking ahead of India’s upcoming group stage clash against Namibia on February 12, ten Doeschate shared mixed news about the trio. He confirmed that spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar has officially joined the squad in Delhi and is ready to resume bowling duties. This aligns with earlier comments made by captain Suryakumar Yadav following the opening match against the United States, where he anticipated Sundar’s timely return to the camp.

"Bumrah hasn't bowled for 10 days, will bowl today. Abhishek still has an upset stomach. Washington Sundar has joined the team, will bowl today," ten Doeschate told media on February 10.

However, the outlook for Bumrah and Abhishek remains less optimistic. The batting coach revealed that Bumrah has not been able to bowl for the last ten days, casting doubt on his immediate availability. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma is still struggling to regain full fitness as he continues to deal with an upset stomach. While Sundar’s return provides a much-needed boost, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding India’s premier fast bowler and their explosive opener remains a concern for the team management.

Regarding the fitness of Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma, Captain Suryakumar Yadav clarified that Bumrah has been sidelined by a high fever, while Sharma is currently "under the weather." With only a single day remaining before India’s next fixture, it remains uncertain whether either player can recover in time to take the field. Their availability is a looming question mark for the team management as they finalise their strategy for the upcoming match.

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Sundar’s journey back to the squad has been a long one, following a side strain and rib muscle tear suffered during the home ODI series against New Zealand. The injury was severe enough to keep the Tamil Nadu native out of all competitive cricket for several months. Despite the seriousness of the tear, the BCCI chose to keep him in the World Cup squad, a gamble that appears to have paid off now that he has successfully completed his rehabilitation.
Sundar’s return is a significant boost for India, as his ability to contribute as a genuine dual-threat increases both the batting depth and the bowling options. His absence had been a persistent headache for the coaching staff, especially after he was forced to miss the bilateral T20I series against New Zealand. Having sharpened his skills at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, he now looks ready to be drafted straight into the starting lineup against Namibia.

All eyes on India vs Pakistan clash

The timing of Sundar’s recovery could not be better for the Men in Blue. With the high-stakes encounter against Pakistan scheduled for February 15, getting Sundar back into match rhythm against Namibia on February 12 is a big step for India’s championship aspirations.