Team India all-rounder Washington Sundar is racing against time to prove his fitness for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The selectors are waiting for clarity on the all-rounder's availability before finalising the squad for the crucial series in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
The Shubman Gill-led team will begin the second half of its 2025-27 WTC campaign at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday, August 15. India are currently fifth in the nine-team standings and will need to win at least seven of their remaining nine Tests to stay in contention for a place in the WTC final clash.
Washington Sundar Injury Update: Will All-Rounder Play in the Sri Lanka Tests?
The national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to announce India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour in the coming days. The selectors have already held informal discussions during the England tour but are waiting for a final medical update on Washington Sundar.
According to a report by The Times of India, Washington Sundar will soon report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to obtain the necessary medical clearance. Sundar has a small medical window to fully recover and be available for the Test series.
"While the pain subsided when he reached London, he was asked to undergo scans, which were later shared with the specialists for an opinion. It is further understood that even if it's just a pull or a Grade 1 injury, the 26-year-old could take at least two weeks to regain complete match fitness," the report mentions of Sundar's injury.
Washington Sundar's Injury a Major Concern for India
Washington Sundar suffered a right hamstring injury during the second ODI against England in Cardiff, forcing him to miss the series decider at Lord's. He struggled while batting, was dismissed by a short ball, and did not return to bowl in England's innings.
Notably, the 26-year-old played a crucial role in India's victory in the first ODI against England. He conceded just 13 runs in four overs and scored an unbeaten 52 off 63 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
The upcoming series is expected to favour spin bowling because of the traditional subcontinent conditions at the Galle International Stadium. Team India could field up to four frontline spinners in the playing XI to make the most of the turning pitches during the Sri Lanka tour.
To help the players adjust to the challenging conditions, the team management has scheduled a four-day warm-up match before the opening Test. India have also added young spinners Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar to the red-ball setup.
Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja Expected to Return for Sri Lanka Tests
India had a disappointing home series defeat to South Africa in late 2025. With an eye on the WTC final, the team will look for a strong start to the Sri Lanka series.
The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to pick a full-strength squad for the two-match Test series. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, who missed India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, are expected to return to the playing group.
Bumrah missed the third ODI against England at Lord's after suffering an impact injury while fielding in the previous match. However, the injury only caused swelling and is not considered serious. He is expected to regain full fitness before the Sri Lanka Test series.
