India Test squad hit by injury crisis: The selection of India’s Test squad for the two-match tour of Sri Lanka in August is facing a major setback due to several injuries and fitness concerns. The Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will announce the squad by Tuesday. The first Test is scheduled in Galle from August 15-19, followed by the second Test at the SSC in Colombo from August 23-27.
Washington Sundar, a key off-spinning allrounder, is unavailable for the first Test due to a right hamstring injury. His participation in the second Test remains subject to fitness. Similarly, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who sustained an impact injury to his left knee during the second ODI against England, is likely to be picked under the “subject to fitness” clause. Bumrah has been advised to rest until July 30 and will then report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for assessment.
Batsman Sai Sudharsan, recovering from an undisclosed injury, is also expected to be picked subject to fitness. He recently scored centuries in four-day games for India A and a half-century in a Test against Afghanistan. Additionally, pace bowling allrounders Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are ruled out due to injuries. Rana is suffering from a hamstring strain after recovering from a major knee issue, while Reddy has a quadriceps injury.
The injury crisis has prompted India captain Shubman Gill to stress the need for improved fitness, stating the team cannot afford frequent player absences if they aim to remain contenders for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The situation highlights the urgent need for robust player management and recovery protocols ahead of the crucial Sri Lanka tour.