The uncertainty around the high-profile T20 World Cup encounter ended on Monday night after Pakistan confirmed it would take the field at the R Premadasa Stadium, bringing weeks of speculation over a possible boycott to a close.
Team India all-rounder Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 due to an injury, said sources. Harshit Rana was injured during Team India's T20 WC 2026 warm-up match against South Africa on Wednesday.
India began the series with a four-wicket win in Vadodara, though the victory came at a cost.
Reports had suggested that Sundar could be traded to Chennai Super Kings before the retention deadline, but Patel clarified that such a move was never part of the Gujarat franchise’s thinking.
Despite speculation over whether Jurel would retain his spot following Pant’s return from a fractured right foot, his consistency with the bat has ensured his place in the side.
The 29-year-old Shardul Thakur said that he was up for the opportunity. He recalled an advice from head coach Ravi Shastri at the start of the tour.
On Day 3, Thakur and Sundar embarked on a 123-run partnership for the seventh wicket to help India fall behind Australia by a small margin of just 33 runs.
Sundar and Thakur have ensured that the visitors remain alive in the fourth Test with their partnership of 77 runs on Day Three. Thanks to that, India reached 253/6 at Tea.
Off-spinner Washington Sundar made his first-class debut in 2016 but played the last of his 12 first-class games over three years back.
Kuldeep Yadav also picked up a couple of wickets while Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah picked up a wicket each.
