India’s preparations for the opening Test against Sri Lanka have been thrown into uncertainty, with multiple injury concerns forcing the selectors to wait before finalising the squad for the series.
Sources have confirmed to India Today Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the first Test, while Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan will require fitness clearance before they can be considered for selection. Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also unavailable, leaving the team management with several selection decisions ahead of the tour.
The Shubman Gill-led side is expected to leave for Sri Lanka as early as August 4 to begin preparations for the two-Test series. India are also scheduled to play a four-day warm-up match before the opening Test in Galle, making the next few days crucial for the medical staff and selectors.
Washington’s absence is the first confirmed setback. The all-rounder sustained an injury during the ODI series against England and was forced to miss the decider at Lord’s. Sources told India Today that he will not be available for the opening Test, while a decision on his participation in the second match will depend on his recovery.
The 25-year-old is expected to report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), where he will continue his rehabilitation before undergoing another assessment.
India are also awaiting clarity on Bumrah’s fitness. Sources said the fast bowler will continue to rest until July 30 before reporting to the Centre of Excellence. His return will be assessed after fresh medical evaluations, with no decision yet taken on his availability for the series opener.
Sai Sudharsan is progressing well in his recovery, but the left-handed batter has also not been cleared to return. His fitness will be reassessed before the selectors take a final call.
Harshit Rana has been ruled out of selection, while Nitish Kumar Reddy will miss the opening phase of the series, further reducing India’s options as they prepare for another Test assignment in the subcontinent.
Sources added that the selectors will take a final call on all fitness-dependent players closer to the start of the series after reviewing the latest medical reports.
The uncertainty surrounding Washington and Bumrah comes at a critical stage of India’s preparations. Washington has grown into an important all-round option in the Test side, particularly in Asian conditions, while Bumrah remains the leader of India’s pace attack and the spearhead of the bowling unit whenever he is fit.
With the squad expected to assemble in less than two weeks, the selectors are unlikely to rush any player back. Instead, they will wait for the final medical assessments before deciding the composition of the squad that travels to Sri Lanka, where India will begin the series with a four-day warm-up fixture before the opening Test in Galle.
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