India are expected to announce their Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka this week, although the selectors are still waiting to hear how all-rounder Washington Sundar is recovering from injury.
Washington’s hamstring
Washington hurt his right hamstring during the ODI series against England and missed the third and final match at Lord’s. He is due to be assessed further at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before being cleared. Early indications are that the problem is a minor strain, but the 26-year-old is likely to need at least two weeks to get back to full match fitness. A final call is expected only after his progress is reviewed, with the team’s departure approaching.
Likely returns and alternatives
Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are both expected back after missing the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Jadeja’s return should bolster the spin department; chief selector Ajit Agarkar has previously called him India’s No. 1 spinner in Test cricket.
Should Washington be ruled out, India could keep Harsh Dubey or look at another off-spinner such as Saransh Jain. Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar are also expected to stay, while the seam options could include Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is another name being watched. He is finishing his rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence, and his fitness may decide whether India pick a seam-bowling all-rounder or an extra specialist.
What lies ahead
India are due to play a four-day warm-up game before the first Test in Galle. The series is an important step in their World Test Championship campaign, ahead of tough tours of New Zealand and a five-Test home series against Australia.
