India’s selectors are waiting for the latest fitness updates from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru before naming the squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The selection committee is expected to meet within the next 10 to 36 hours, with the fitness of Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj likely to be central to the discussions.
Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakaravarthy, who are also undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE, are not in contention for the Sri Lanka tour as they remain part of India’s white-ball plans. Rana and Nitish are also expected to miss out, while Washington Sundar’s availability remains uncertain. The all-rounder has been a regular under Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill, making his fitness a key concern.
With Sri Lankan conditions traditionally favouring spin, Washington’s off-spin and batting ability add significant value to the squad. However, the 26-year-old is still recovering from a hamstring injury, leaving his participation in doubt. A possible inclusion from the second Test, beginning on August 23, has been discussed, although that currently appears unlikely.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah is expected to report to the CoE, and his availability for the Test series is yet to be confirmed. Since he has played limited cricket after the IPL, there is optimism that he could be included. Bumrah missed the final ODI against England at Lord’s because of a left knee issue, but the injury was not considered serious.
“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 BCCI had said about the spearhead.
Harshit Rana And Nitish Kumar Reddy Set To Miss Sri Lanka Tests
Harshit Rana, who is also recovering from a hamstring injury, is expected to miss the Sri Lanka Test series, much like Nitish Kumar Reddy. The all-rounder has reportedly been informed that the team management currently views him as a white-ball player, with a return likely only during India’s white-ball fixtures in September.
His next appearance in red-ball cricket is expected to come during India’s two-match World Test Championship series in New Zealand in November. Meanwhile, most of the players who featured in last month’s one-off Test against Afghanistan are likely to retain their spots in the squad.
Ravindra Jadeja, who missed that match in New Chandigarh, is also expected to return. Although the selection meeting was initially scheduled for Tuesday, it may now be held online as early as Monday.
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