India selectors are still awaiting final reports before deciding the team for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, and a few of the key players remain unsure of their fitness due to injury concerns.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to declare India’s squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after getting updated fitness reports from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
The selectors are in the process of finalising the team for the important World Test Championship series, but a few players such as Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj are still undergoing medical evaluation.
Washington Sundar Faces Fitness Race
All-rounder Washington Sundar is still yet to be confirmed for the Sri Lanka tour, due to a hamstring injury.
Sri Lankan pitches are known to provide support to the spin bowlers and as a result, Sundar would be a useful addition to the Indian team. But his involvement will be contingent upon the results of his most recent fitness test.
If he keeps on getting better, it could be possible for him to be fit enough to be available later in the series.
Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy Set to Miss Out
Both fast bowler Harshit Rana and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy are likely to be fit to miss the Sri Lanka Tests on fitness grounds.
Rana is still recovering from a hamstring injury and Nitish is yet to be fit enough to come back to red-ball cricket.
The team management is expected to focus on Nitish’s fitness to return to the fold first before he is looked upon for future Test duties at the time when the Indian team is in white-ball action.
Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Return
India have got the good news that Jasprit Bumrah will be fit to be selected after sustaining a minor knee injury.
The experienced fast bowler has been improving his recovery well and selectors are hopeful that he will be the one to spearhead the pace attack for India in the Sri Lanka series.
His return would make a significant contribution to the Indian bowlers before the challenging away match.
Core Test Squad Expected to Remain Unchanged
Apart from the injuries, most of the players who have played in India’s recent Test series are likely to continue to play their part.
Additionally, Ravindra Jadeja, who was ruled out of India’s last Test duty, is likely to be in the squad as an all-rounder, supporting the spin attack and lower order batsmen.
The selectors are expected to make some changes but maintain continuity in the team.
Selection Meeting Around the Corner
The national selection committee of India is expected to meet soon to finalise the team as per the latest medical reports.
The Centre of Excellence will give fitness reports for a number of players ahead of the official squad and these will be crucial in their selection.
The Test series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship and India will be looking to put together their best possible side for the crucial match against Sri Lanka.
