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Concerns have mounted for the national selection committee and team management ahead of the selection of the Indian Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka (featuring a two-match series). They are awaiting the latest fitness reports on the players from the Bengaluru-based Centre of Excellence (CoE), with the squad announcement expected within the next 10 to 36 hours.
The fitness status of Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, and Anshul Kamboj will be a key topic of discussion during the selection meeting.
Uncertainty over Washington Sundar's fitness
Given the spin-friendly pitches in Sri Lanka, off-spinner and handy batter Washington Sundar could prove to be a crucial asset for the Indian team. Sundar has been prioritized under the tenure of head coach Gautam Gambhir and Test captain Shubman Gill. However, there is significant uncertainty regarding his participation in the first Test due to a hamstring injury.
While there is a possibility of him being selected on a 'conditional' basis for the second Test—starting August 23—current circumstances make this seem unlikely.
Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy out of the tour
Fast bowler Harshit Rana is also battling a hamstring injury, and it is almost certain that he will miss the Sri Lanka tour. Meanwhile, regarding all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, reports suggest that the team management is currently considering him only for white-ball (limited-overs) cricket.
Nitish will now be seen in action directly during India's limited-overs matches in September.
His next return to red-ball (Test) cricket appears likely only during the two-match WTC Test series against New Zealand in November.Relief regarding Jasprit Bumrah's availability
Star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was rested due to mild swelling in his left knee during the Lord's ODI against England. Bumrah will report to the CoE for workload management and a fitness assessment. However, his injury is not serious, and given that the Sri Lanka series is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, there is a strong possibility of his selection.
Ravindra Jadeja set to return
Most of the players who were part of the recent one-off Test match against Afghanistan are expected to retain their places. Additionally, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who missed that match, is considered certain to return to the Test squad.
