Top 3 players who can replace Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar has been part of the Indian T20 team for quite some time, but he hasn’t made many memorable contributions.

The 26-year-old made his T20 debut in 2017. He has played 62 T20Is so far, scoring just 279 runs in 27 innings at an average of 15.50 and a strike rate of 126.82. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder has a decent overall record with the ball, picking up 51 wickets at an average of 24.55 and an economy rate of 7.12. However, in recent times, he hasn’t been effective with the bat and his bowling abilities have been underutilised as well.

Let’s take a look at three players who can replace Sundar going forward:

Top 3 players who can replace Washington Sundar

3. Vipraj Nigam

Vipraj Nigam is a talented leg-spin-bowling all-rounder. There are not too many leg-spinners in Indian cricket who can bat as well as Nigam. The Delhi Capitals all-rounder is just 21 years old and has already represented India A.

If India believe that they don’t need a like-for-like off-spin-bowling all-rounder as Sundar’s replacement, Nigam can be an ideal choice. The youngster is a genuine wicket-taker through the middle overs and can tonk the ball at the back end of an innings.

2. Shahbaz Ahmed

Shahbaz Ahmed could be an ideal replacement not just for Washington Sundar but also for Axar Patel. The Bengal all-rounder is a clean hitter of the ball and a proven finisher in domestic cricket. He is also one of the best fielders in Indian cricket.

India’s fielding standard in recent times has been abysmal. Shahbaz’s three-dimensional skills will be immensely beneficial for the Indian team. The 31-year-old has played three ODIs and two T20Is for India. However, his last international appearance was way back in October 2023.

1. Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag is a batting all-rounder who India can try out in place of Sundar. The Rajasthan Royals’ captain played nine T20Is for India after a stellar IPL 2024 campaign. Gautam Gambhir was starting his journey as India’s head coach back then. Parag scored just 106 runs in six innings at an average of 17.67 and picked up four wickets at an economy rate of 6.73.

Struggles with injuries and form have kept Parag out of the Indian team since October 2024. He blew hot and cold with the bat during IPL 2026. However, if India are looking for someone who can bat in the middle-order and bowl a few overs of off-spin, Parag could be the ideal choice.