Ravindra Jadeja likely to return as India await Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah fitness clearance for Sri Lanka Tests

Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar (Photo Source: Getty Images)

The Indian selection committee is set to finalize the squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, with several injury concerns still awaiting clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

As reported by Cricbuzz, the selectors are expected to meet within the next 10 to 36 hours, with the fitness status of Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, and Anshul Kamboj likely to dominate discussions. The upcoming series forms part of India’s ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

There is uncertainty about Washington Sundar, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. The spin-bowling all-rounder has been a regular under head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill and could prove to be a valuable option on Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly surfaces.

While Washington remains a possibility for the second Test, scheduled to begin on August 23, his inclusion currently appears uncertain. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are reportedly unlikely to be available for selection, with both players expected to miss the tour due to fitness concerns.

Jasprit Bumrah likely to return despite recent knee concern

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is also expected to report to the Centre of Excellence before the squad is announced. Although there is some uncertainty surrounding his fitness, the fast bowler is likely to be available for the Sri Lanka Tests.

Bumrah has played limited cricket since the IPL and missed the third ODI against England after sustaining an impact injury to his left knee during the second ODI in Cardiff. However, the injury is not believed to be serious enough to rule him out of the Test series.

The BCCI had earlier provided an update on the pacer’s condition, stating:

“Jasprit Bumrah had an impact injury on his left knee while fielding in the second ODI in Cardiff. He was not available for selection for the third ODI due to reactive swelling in his left knee.”

The core of the squad that featured in the one-off Test against Afghanistan last month is expected to retain its place for the Sri Lanka tour. Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the Afghanistan Test in New Chandigarh, is also likely to return to the squad.

The selection meeting was initially scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 28. However, reports suggest the committee could instead meet virtually on Monday, July 27, to finalize the squad ahead of the Sri Lanka series.

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