Washington Sundar‘s participation for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka is highly doubtful due to a right hamstring injury sustained during the second ODI against England at Sophie Gardens in Cardiff. He has very little chance of making the tour, thus the team management will have to make plans without him, according to a BCCI source.
The Times of India claims that the selectors are unlikely to select a straight replacement, even if Washington Sundar is formally excluded. The board has said that a thorough review would be conducted the following week before any final decision is communicated to the selection committee and team management.
“Washington Sundar was picked only for the second Test knowing it will be touch-and-go for him to gain full fitness.” After getting hurt in England last month, he hasn’t played much. His task is being gradually increased. The likelihood of Washington visiting Sri Lanka is currently quite low. The management of the squad has been instructed to make appropriate plans. The medical staff of the BCCI is hesitant to force him into a Test match.
A BCCI source told The Times of India that “there have been a few instances where players have broken down immediately after recovering from an injury.” “Washington Sundar will be the 16th member if links up with the team.” It must be determined whether sending him to a Test match without any playing time will be beneficial. Next week, a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted, encompassing the team’s placement in Sri Lanka, the source continued.
Will the selectors choose Washington Sundar’s successor?
India’s growing injury concerns are exacerbated by Washington’s potential absence. After suffering a knee injury in England last month, Jasprit Bumrah’s return date is unknown. “The CoE was working on increasing Bumrah’s workload prior to the Test series in Sri Lanka. Akash Deep has been out since January due to a stress fracture in his back, and Sai Sudharsan is also out due to injury.”
It was believed he wouldn’t be prepared in time. He hasn’t bowled in longer formats in a very long time. Regarding him, the CoE is extremely cautious. They haven’t provided a timeline for him. According to the source, “Indian cricket may now need to start preparing for life without Bumrah, especially in the longer formats after next year.”
“The CoE’s goal for Akash Deep was to get him cricket fit by the Sri Lanka tour.” That hasn’t occurred. As of right now, neither the selecting committee nor the club management have received a timeline. Recovering from a back injury is difficult. The management of the team is hoping that he will be available for the vital tour to New Zealand. If both Bumrah and Akash are available for the two Tests in New Zealand, the squad will benefit,” the insider said.
In the Test series against Sri Lanka, what does India stand to lose?
On August 23, the SSC ground in Colombo will host the second Test of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. On August 15, the first Test will begin in Galle. The series’ result will significantly affect India’s chances of winning the World Test Championship.
India is currently ranked fifth in the nine-team WTC 2025–27 standings. According to the information now available, they need to win at least seven of their next nine Test matches in order to stay in the contention for a position in the WTC final. The absence of key players like Washington, Bumrah, and Akash Deep makes that task much more challenging, but the board has not publicly discussed the tactical ramifications of these absences.
