India will be without Jasprit Bumrah for the Test series in Sri Lanka. An assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence concluded that the fast bowler is not yet ready to return to competitive cricket, and the medical staff advised against hurrying him back.
Bumrah had been named in Shubman Gill’s squad subject to fitness clearance. He has been treated for a knee problem that flared up again during the T20 World Cup, and he has not been cleared to resume international duty. The first Test starts in Galle on August 15.
Protecting the long term
A source close to the matter said India want to avoid repeating errors of the past, when players were pushed back too soon and broke down again. Full recovery is the only aim, the source said, with the Asian Games, the tour of New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy still on the calendar.
Nabi in line as replacement
The senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to name a replacement before the series begins. Auqib Nabi is considered the front-runner after taking six wickets in two matches for India A against Sri Lanka last month.
India’s existing pace options include Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna, and Nabi would add to that seam-bowling group if chosen.
Series dates
The two Tests are scheduled for Galle from August 15 and Colombo from August 23. Bumrah’s absence is a considerable blow, but team management has made clear that keeping its leading quick fit for the long haul matters most as a busy international schedule approaches.
