With no official warm-up matches scheduled before the T20 World Cup begins on February 7, the Indian cricket team is taking proactive measures to ensure readiness. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and selectors are planning to arrange a practice match on February 4, aiming to evaluate the team's resources one final time amidst ongoing injury concerns.
Injury Recovery and Backup Plans
Key players Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma are currently recovering from their respective injuries, prompting the selectors to explore backup options. Sources indicate that Washington's recovery from a side strain is progressing slower than anticipated, raising doubts about his availability for the initial World Cup matches. In contrast, Tilak Varma's rehabilitation has been positive, with expectations that he will be in prime condition by India's second match on February 12.
Potential Warm-Up Match Scenarios
The BCCI is considering multiple possibilities for the warm-up match, including playing against South Africa or organizing an intra-squad game with India 'A' players. If the plan materializes, the match is likely to be held at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, where the team will assemble on February 2.
Preparations for Riyan Parag
In response to the injury situation, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has been instructed to prepare Riyan Parag, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, for potential participation in the warm-up match. Parag is scheduled to play two simulation matches on January 28 and January 30, with clearance expected by January 31, and has been asked to be ready to report to Mumbai by February 2.
Team Adjustments and Strategic Focus
The selectors have already made adjustments to the squad, naming Ravi Bishnoi as Washington Sundar's replacement for the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, while Shreyas Iyer was recalled in place of Tilak Varma for the first three matches. The team management's confidence in Tilak's recovery is high, but his availability for the final two T20Is against New Zealand remains unconfirmed by the BCCI.
According to sources, the selectors are particularly concerned about Washington Sundar's availability, as he has sustained an injury to a muscle extending from the ribs to the lower back. Rushing his return could risk his participation in the upcoming IPL season. While Parag is considered a like-for-like replacement, other options may be explored if the warm-up match proceeds.
World Cup Timeline and Flexibility
Team changes can be made until January 30, but the tournament's technical committee retains the authority to allow replacements due to injuries even during the competition. The selectors aim to have the team settled by the crucial match against Pakistan in Colombo on February 15, emphasizing the importance of this preparatory phase.
