Team India all-rounder Washington Sundar is working hard to prove his fitness for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The selectors are awaiting clarity on the all-rounder’s availability before finalizing the squad for the crucial series in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
The Shubman Gill-led side will begin the second half of their 2025-27 WTC campaign on Saturday, August 15 at the Galle International Stadium. India are currently fifth in the nine-team standings and will need to win at least seven of their remaining nine Test matches to retain a place in the WTC final clash.
Washington Sundar injury update: Will the all-rounder play in the Sri Lanka Test?
The Ajit Agarkar-led national selection committee is likely to announce India’s Test team for the Sri Lanka tour in the coming days. The selectors have already held informal discussions during the England tour but are awaiting a final medical update on Washington Sundar.
According to a report in Times of India, Washington Sundar will soon report to the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru to obtain the necessary medical clearance. Sundar has a short medical window to fully recover and be available for the Test series.
Referring to Sundar’s injury, the report said, “The pain subsided when he reached London but he was asked to undergo a scan, which was later shared with experts for opinion. It is also understood that even if it is just a strain or a Grade 1 injury, the 26-year-old could take at least two weeks to regain full match fitness.”
Washington Sundar’s injury is a matter of great concern for India
Washington Sundar has suffered a right hamstring injury During the second ODI against England in Cardiff, he was forced to miss the series decider at Lord’s. He struggled while batting, being out to a short ball and did not return to bowl in England’s innings.
Notably, the 26-year-old played a key 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, which included four fours and a six.
The traditional subcontinent conditions at the Galle International Stadium are expected to favor spin bowling in the upcoming series. To take advantage of the turning pitches during the Sri Lanka tour, Team India can field four frontline spinners in the playing eleven.
To help the players adjust to the challenging conditions, the team management has scheduled four-day practice matches 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 are expected to return for the Sri Lanka Test
India had suffered a disappointing home series defeat against South Africa at the end of 2025. Keeping an eye on the WTC final, Team Sri Lanka will try to make a strong start in the series.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to pick a full-strength squad for the two-match Test series. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, who missed India’s only Test against Afghanistan, are expected to return to the playing group.
Bumrah missed the third ODI against England at Lord’s after suffering an injury while fielding in the previous match. However, the injury caused only swelling and was not considered serious. It is expected that he will regain full fitness before the Sri Lanka Test series.
