India's injury woes have worsened ahead of the second Test, with Washington Sundar now facing an uncertainty over his fitness after Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan got ruled out of the entire series. Having initially been named in the squad strictly for the second fixture while rehabbing a hamstring issue, the all-rounder's participation is looking increasingly unlikely.
Washington Sundar uncertain for 2nd Test vs SL
Given the recent wave of fitness setbacks across the squad, as reported by TOI, the medical officials at the Centre of Excellence alongside the national team's leadership are choosing to adopt a highly conservative approach. Reports indicate that the BCCI medical staff is hesitant to risk rushing him into Test action, mindful of past scenarios where athletes suffered quick relapses upon returning from injury. Consequently, team management has been advised to prepare contingency plans for the upcoming clash in Sri Lanka.
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Washington's injury trouble continues
Washington has seen limited game time since picking up the injury in England last month, and while his training load is being progressively ramped up, his recovery timeline was always cut close for the second Test. Should he officially be declared unfit, the selection committee is reportedly not planning to call up a replacement.
The selection panel has already finalized a 15-man roster, with Washington slated to join as an additional player only if cleared to travel. However, decision-makers are weighing whether deploying him directly into a Test without prior match practice makes practical sense. A comprehensive evaluation scheduled for next week will gauge his readiness alongside the national side's situation in the ongoing Sri Lanka series.
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Meanwhile, medical staff at the Centre of Excellence have refrained from putting a firm timetable on the returns of fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. Bumrah continues to recover from a knee issue sustained during the tour of England last month, while Akash Deep remains sidelined following a back stress fracture diagnosed earlier in January.
Prior to the Sri Lankan tour, CoE trainers were attempting to step up Bumrah's bowling volume, but ultimately determined he would not reach peak match fitness in time. Given his extended absence from red-ball cricket, the medical team is taking an extremely cautious path with his rehabilitation, choosing not to rush his recovery or commit to a return date.