Washington Sundar's injury creates headache for selectors, India set to play warm-up game in Sri Lanka before Test series

India all-rounder Washington Sundar is facing a race against time to regain fitness for the two-Test series on Sri Lankan soil. Sundar suffered a hamstring injury during the second ODI of the series against England which ruled him out of the decider. As per a report by TOI, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to pick the squad for the Test series later this week and the question mark over Sundar’s availability has become a headache.

Sundar, India's all-format player, is likely to report to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) soon where his fitness will be assessed and only then he will be given a green light to fly to Sri Lanka.

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The report further claimed that Sundar was not in discomfort when he reached London. After undergoing scans, the results were shared with specialists. Sundar will need at least two weeks to recover if it is a pull or a Grade 1 injury.

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India's squad for the Test series is likely to leave in the first week of August. India are also scheduled to play a four-day warm-up game before the Test series.

If Sundar is not available for the opening Test, the selectors may opt for right-arm off-spinner Saransh Jain. The 33-year-old took seven wickets for India A against Sri Lanka A in a recent two-unofficial Test series. The 33-year-old is capable of contributing with the bat down the order as well.

Will Jadeja return? No update on Reddy

So far, it is unclear whether veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will return to the squad after missing the one-off Afghanistan Test. Manav Suthar has made a case for himself with a seven-wicket haul on Test debut. Also, an official update on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is awaited. 

Crucial Test series for India

The Test series will begin on August 15 at Galle International Stadium. The second Test is scheduled to commence on August 23 at Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo.

The Test series is crucial for India as they are placed fifth on the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings. India have a win percentage of 58.15 with four wins, as many losses and a draw from nine Tests. On the other hand, Sri Lanka are placed sixth after their series defeat on West Indies soil.