India is facing increasing injury concerns as the team prepares for the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka. All-rounder Washington Sundar is now considered doubtful for the tour, adding to the list of players sidelined. This comes amid reports of a cautious approach from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) and the team management regarding player fitness.
Sundar, who was selected specifically for the second Test of the tour, sustained a hamstring injury during the second ODI in Cardiff last month. He has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE. Reports suggest that his chances of traveling to Sri Lanka are currently very slim, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team hesitant to rush him back into a Test match.
All-rounder’s availability uncertain
The decision regarding Sundar’s participation is being made with caution, as there have been previous instances of players experiencing setbacks shortly after returning from injury. A source indicated that Sundar was chosen for the second Test with the understanding that his fitness would be a close call. He has not played much cricket since his injury in England, and his workload is being gradually increased.
If Sundar is ultimately ruled out, it is unlikely that a replacement will be named. There is a possibility he could still join the squad as the 16th member if he regains sufficient fitness. However, the team management will first evaluate whether it is practical to send him to Sri Lanka without any recent match practice. A comprehensive assessment is expected to take place next week, which will also consider the team’s position in Sri Lanka.
Sundar, a 26-year-old from Tamil Nadu and the Gujarat Titans, has played in 18 Tests, taking 41 wickets at an average of 30.34. He has also scored 937 runs at an average of 44.61, including one century and six fifties.
Other key players sidelined
The uncertainty surrounding Sundar exacerbates India’s existing injury challenges. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has already been ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series. He has not fully recovered from a knee injury sustained during the ODI series in England. The CoE had been working to increase his workload in preparation for the tour, but there is currently no specific timeline for his return to longer-format cricket.
Another significant concern is pacer Akash Deep. He has been out of action since January due to a stress fracture in his back. The CoE’s initial aim was to get him fit for the Sri Lanka tour, but this has not materialized. No clear timeline for his return has been communicated to either the team management or the selection committee. The team management reportedly hopes that both Bumrah and Akash Deep will be available for the two Tests against New Zealand, which are considered crucial.
The India team, led by Shubman Gill, aims to maintain an 18-year unbeaten record in Test series in Sri Lanka. However, the task of continuing this dominant streak is made more challenging by the absence of several key players due to injury, including Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, in addition to Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, and the doubtful Sundar. The first of the two Tests is scheduled to begin on Saturday in Galle.
Source: hindustantimes.com
