The men’s senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to announce India’s squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15 in Galle. While initial discussions were held during the white-ball tour of England, the selectors are set to meet formally soon to finalise the squad.
A decision on Washington Sundar remains pending as the selectors await an update on the all-rounder’s fitness. Sundar sustained a right hamstring injury during the ODI series in England, forcing him to miss the final match at Lord’s. He is expected to report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for further assessment and medical clearance.
Although the BCCI confirmed the injury as a right hamstring issue, reports suggest the discomfort eased after Sundar arrived in London. However, he was advised to undergo scans, the results of which were reviewed by specialists. Even if the injury is only a minor strain or Grade 1 tear, the 26-year-old is likely to need at least two weeks to recover fully and return to match fitness.
With the Indian team expected to depart for Sri Lanka around August 4 to begin preparations, the selectors face a key decision regarding Washington Sundar’s availability. Before the opening Test in Galle, the Shubman Gill-led side is also scheduled to play a four-day warm-up match.
Bumrah & Jadeja Set To Return; Washington Fitness Keeps Selectors Waiting
India’s squad is expected to see a few changes from the one-off Test against Afghanistan, with senior players Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja likely to return. If Washington fails to recover in time, the selectors will have to decide whether to retain Harsh Dubey or bring in an off-spinner such as Saransh Jain to add balance and variety to the spin department.
Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to keep their places, while Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna are likely to form the pace attack. Although Jadeja was rested for the Afghanistan Test following the IPL, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had reiterated that the veteran all-rounder remains India’s “No. 1 spinner” in the longest format.
The batting unit is expected to remain largely unchanged, with the main selection focus likely to be on all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar. The selectors must decide whether to back Nitish, who is currently recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), or opt for a specialist player instead.
These decisions are likely to be the biggest talking points in what is otherwise expected to be a fairly straightforward squad selection.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.