IND vs SL: Two stars out, questions on fitness of three… Army of injured players in Team India, tension increased before Sri Lanka tour

New Delhi. The Indian Test team has suffered a big setback before the Sri Lanka tour. The team led by captain Shubman Gill is facing the problem of injuries even before the selection. Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the first test, while there is suspense over the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudarshan. Apart from this, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also not available. In such a situation, preparing a strong combination has become a big challenge for the selectors. So many players not being fit at the same time is a big matter of concern for the team.

Washington Sundar out of first test
The biggest blow to India has come in the form of all-rounder Washington Sundar. After getting injured during the ODI series against England, he could not even play the decisive match at Lord’s. Now his injury is considered so serious that he has been ruled out of the first Test against Sri Lanka. Sundar will now rehab at the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Whether he will return for the second test or not will be decided on the basis of the medical report after his recovery.

Suspense on Bumrah-Sudarshan too
The picture is also not clear regarding India’s most important fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. According to the India Today report, sources said that Bumrah will take rest till July 30 and after that he will report for medical examination at the Center of Excellence. Only after his fitness report comes, the selectors will decide whether he will be available for the first test or not. The team management does not want to take the risk of fielding him in a hurry at any cost. Young batsman Sai Sudarshan’s recovery is said to be good, but he has not yet received medical clearance to play. The selection committee will take the final decision for the Sri Lanka tour only after receiving his latest fitness report.

Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy also out
Fast bowler Harshit Rana is not available for selection. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will also be out of the initial phase of the series. The absence of these two has weakened the fast bowling and all-round options of Team India. According to sources, the Indian team captained by Shubman Gill will leave for Sri Lanka around August 4. Before the start of the Test series, the Indian team will also play a four-day practice match, which will give the players a chance to adapt to the local conditions.

Indian selectors are currently not in favor of including any player in the team in a hurry. The final Test squad will be announced only after the latest medical reports of all the injured players are received. In such a situation, the next few days are going to be very important for Team India.