Washington Sundar Ruled Out of First Test Against Sri Lanka Amid Injury Concerns for India

Shillong, India Jul 27, 2026 ALN: India’s injury concerns continue to mount ahead of next month’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out of the opening Test and injured duo Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana unlikely to feature in the series.

India are scheduled to face Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle from August 15 to 19 before the second Test at the SSC in Colombo from August 23 to 27. This series is particularly significant as it forms part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, where every match counts towards the overall standings and qualification for the final.

According to sources, Washington has not recovered sufficiently from the leg injury he sustained during India’s recent white-ball tour of England and is expected to miss the series opener. His availability for the second Test will depend on his progress during rehabilitation. Washington’s absence is a notable setback for the Indian team, as he has been a key player in the spin department, providing both bowling options and lower-order batting strength.

The injury has created a selection dilemma for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, which is set to announce the squad on Tuesday. The committee faces the challenge of balancing experience and youth while ensuring that the team remains competitive against a Sri Lankan side that has shown resilience in home conditions.

With Washington doubtful, the selectors may need to identify an additional spin-bowling option to complement Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Manav Suthar. Jadeja, known for his all-round capabilities, and Kuldeep, a wrist-spinner with the ability to turn the ball sharply, are expected to lead the spin attack. However, the addition of another spinner could provide tactical flexibility, especially on pitches in Sri Lanka that traditionally favor spin bowling.

Off-spinner Saransh Jain has emerged as a strong contender after an impressive performance against Sri Lanka A, where he claimed six wickets in two matches and also scored an unbeaten 70. His ability to contribute with the bat lower down the order is believed to have strengthened his case, particularly given head coach Gautam Gambhir’s preference for batting depth. The selection committee may prioritize players who can offer versatility, especially in challenging situations where lower-order contributions can make a significant difference.

Leg-spinners Zeeshan Ansari and Vipraj Nigam are also among the options under consideration, although Nigam is reportedly viewed as being better suited to the white-ball format. The selectors' decision will likely hinge on the pitch conditions anticipated in Galle, which is known for its spin-friendly surface, especially as the match progresses.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and fast bowler Harshit Rana are not expected to be available for selection after suffering hamstring injuries. Both players are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and are unlikely to recover in time for the Sri Lanka tour. Their absence will be felt, particularly in the all-rounder department, where Reddy has been seen as a promising talent with the potential to contribute in various facets of the game.

India’s pace department also remains under close watch. Senior fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the final ODI against England after sustaining a knee injury, is scheduled to resume training at the Centre of Excellence after a short period of rest and will undergo a fitness assessment before his availability is confirmed. Bumrah's experience and skill in bowling at crucial times make him a pivotal player for India, and his fitness will be closely monitored by the coaching staff.

Should Bumrah fail to regain full fitness in time, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar are expected to shoulder the pace-bowling responsibilities. Siraj has been impressive in recent outings, showcasing his ability to take wickets in key moments, while Krishna has experience on international tours. Gurnoor Brar, a younger talent, will be looking to make his mark if given the opportunity.

There is, however, encouraging news regarding top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan, who is recovering well from his injury, although his inclusion will remain subject to medical clearance. Sudharsan has shown promise in domestic circuits and his return could bolster the batting lineup, providing additional stability at the top order.

Fast bowler Akash Deep also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a stress fracture. While he has resumed bowling as part of his return-to-play programme, he is still some distance away from match fitness. His absence further complicates the selection for the pace attack, which is already under scrutiny due to injury concerns.

In a positive development for India’s white-ball plans, senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya has completed the final stages of his rehabilitation from a quadriceps injury and is expected to receive fitness clearance by the end of July. Pandya's all-round capabilities make him a valuable asset for the team, especially in limited-overs formats where his ability to change the game with both bat and ball can be crucial.

If India’s proposed white-ball tour of Bangladesh goes ahead later this year, Pandya is likely to return to the national squad after successfully completing his return-to-play protocols. His inclusion could provide the team with much-needed balance, especially in the context of preparing for upcoming international tournaments and series.

As the Indian team prepares for the Sri Lanka series, the management will need to navigate these injury challenges carefully. The selection committee's decisions will not only impact the immediate series but also set the tone for India's performance in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. The ability of the team to adapt to these challenges and find suitable replacements will be critical in maintaining their competitive edge on the international stage.