The men’s senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, may announce India’s squad this week. The team will tour Sri Lanka for two Tests starting from August 15.
According to reports, selectors await clear information about Washington Sundar’s injury status. The all-rounder suffered the injury during the three-match ODI series. He missed the series-deciding match at Lord’s because of the issue.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed his right hamstring injury. After reaching London, his pain reduced slightly. However, doctors advised him to undergo scans for further assessment.
Meanwhile, experts received his scan reports for evaluation. Even a minor muscle strain or grade one injury could require recovery time. The 26-year-old player may need at least two weeks to become fully match-fit.
Team Combination Remains A Major Selection Challenge
Since India may leave for Sri Lanka on August 4, selectors face a key decision. The team needs to start preparations before the Galle Test.
Captain Shubman Gill’s side will also play a four-day warm-up match before the opening Test. Therefore, the selection committee must decide Washington Sundar’s availability quickly.
The squad that played the only Test against Afghanistan last month may see changes. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja could return to the team.
However, if Washington Sundar misses the tour, selectors must choose his replacement carefully. Harsh Dubey may retain his place, or selectors could pick off-spinner Saransh Jain.
India Looks For Winning Combination Against Sri Lanka
Furthermore, selectors expect Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav to continue in the squad. The pace attack may include Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna.
After the IPL, India did not select Ravindra Jadeja for the Afghanistan Test. However, Ajit Agarkar said Jadeja remains the “number 1 spinner” in this format.
Therefore, the final squad picture will become clear this week. The selectors must decide every player’s role before the Sri Lanka tour.
India will look to return towards winning ways after recent series defeats. For that comeback, the team wants its strongest possible combination.
