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India’s off-spin resources in red-ball cricket are under intense scrutiny, with Washington Sundar emerging as the most experienced option available to the national selectors. The concern surrounding depth has grown significantly as multiple players across the squad simultaneously manage fitness challenges.
Sundar has been included in India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled for September 13, 15, and 17, 2026 in New Delhi. His selection is contingent upon receiving fitness clearance, as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana are similarly listed subject to fitness clearance in the same squad, which will be captained by Shreyas Iyer.
According to reports, BCCI selectors express greater confidence regarding Bumrah and Reddy being fit in time, while the availability of Sundar and Rana ahead of the series opener remains less certain.
Why does Sundar’s fitness matter beyond the Afghanistan series?
India’s team management is particularly keen to have a fully fit Sundar available for the upcoming home Test series against Australia. In red-ball cricket, the selectors possess limited proven alternatives at off-spin, elevating his recovery to a priority rather than a routine update.
Bumrah is working his way back from a left knee injury sustained during the England ODI series in July 2026, while Reddy is dealing with a quadriceps injury. Rana has faced persistent knee problems that ruled him out of both the T20 World Cup and the tour of the United Kingdom. The cumulative effect of these absences has placed additional pressure on selectors to identify and prepare backup options well in advance.
The Afghanistan T20I series, in this context, serves as a valuable fitness marker for Sundar. A successful return there would provide the team management with greater confidence regarding his readiness for the longer format.
Who are the off-spin options emerging behind Sundar?
With the depth question becoming increasingly pressing, several domestic names have drawn attention from selectors. Saransh Jain earned a maiden Test call-up following consistent performances in domestic cricket and for India A, signalling that selectors are looking beyond established names.
Tanush Kotian, the Mumbai off-spinning all-rounder, represents another highly regarded option whose first-class record has attracted favourable attention from those monitoring the domestic circuit. Kounain Quraishi, a young off-spinner who has represented East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, is also considered a name to watch as the pipeline continues to develop.
None of these players currently offer the same combination of red-ball experience and all-round utility that Sundar brings to the Test setup. The selectors’ challenge is to manage his workload carefully while ensuring that credible alternatives remain match-ready should the need arise.
