India is facing increasing injury concerns as the team prepares for the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka. All-rounder Washington Sundar‘s participation is now uncertain, adding to the challenges for the squad. This comes after Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan were already ruled out of the series.
According to reports, Sundar, who was selected specifically for the second Test of the tour, is doubtful due to a hamstring injury. He sustained this injury during the second ODI in Cardiff last month and has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).
Sundar’s Status and Team Management’s Approach
The CoE and the Indian team management are reportedly taking a cautious approach with Sundar‘s recovery. This careful stance is influenced by a series of injuries that have affected the team, leading to scrutiny of the Bengaluru facility.
A source indicated that Sundar‘s chances of traveling to Sri Lanka are currently very slim. The team management has been advised to make plans accordingly, as the BCCI medical team is hesitant to rush him into a Test match. There have been previous instances where players experienced setbacks shortly after returning from injury.
The source further explained that Sundar was initially picked for only the second Test, with the understanding that his fitness would be a close call. He has not played much since his injury in England, and his workload is being gradually increased. A thorough assessment of his condition is expected next week, which will also consider the team’s situation in Sri Lanka.
If Sundar is unable to join the team, the selectors are unlikely to name a replacement. He could potentially remain as the 16th member of the squad if he regains sufficient fitness. However, the management will first evaluate whether it is practical to send him to Sri Lanka without any recent match practice.
Other Key Players Sidelined
The uncertainty surrounding Sundar compounds India‘s existing injury woes. Jasprit Bumrah has already been confirmed out of the Sri Lanka Test series. He has not recovered from a knee injury sustained during the ODI series in England.
The CoE had been working to increase Bumrah‘s workload in preparation for the tour, but it was determined he would not be ready in time. There is currently no specific timeline for his return to longer-format cricket, with the CoE exercising extreme caution regarding his recovery.
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 goal was to have 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 is hopeful that both Bumrah and Akash Deep will be available for the two Tests against New Zealand, which are considered crucial. The absence of these key players presents a challenge for Shubman Gill‘s team as they aim to maintain their unbeaten record in Test series in Sri Lanka.
Sundar, a 26-year-old all-rounder, has played 18 Tests, taking 41 wickets at an average of 30.34 and scoring 937 runs at an average of 44.61, including one hundred and six fifties. His absence, along with other injured players like Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, means India will be missing at least five first-choice cricketers for the series, with the first Test scheduled to begin at Galle.
Source: hindustantimes.com
