India’s Test squad for Sri Lanka tour to be announced by Tuesday
India is preparing to announce its Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, with the announcement expected by Tuesday. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed this timeline, noting that selectors are evaluating fitness updates for key players.
The primary focus for the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is the fitness of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Washington Sundar. Both players have been dealing with injuries, making their availability a significant consideration for the two ICC World Test Championship matches.
Squad Selection Concerns
Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness is a key concern. He missed the recent series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s due to an impact injury and reactive swelling on his left knee. This injury occurred during the second game in Cardiff.
A source close to the developments indicated that Bumrah’s recovery process is being monitored. The Test series is approximately three weeks away, which provides him with time to recover and potentially join the team in Sri Lanka. However, it remains uncertain if he will be able to travel with the squad in the first week of August.
Another player whose fitness is under evaluation is off-spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar. He is currently recovering from a right hamstring strain, which also ruled him out of the game at Lord’s. It is not yet known if he will be fit in time for the series.
Anticipated Returns and Bowling Options
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is expected to return to the Shubman Gill-led side. His all-round skills are anticipated to be valuable against Sri Lanka. Jadeja had played an ODI against New Zealand in January but was not selected for the recent three-match ODI series against England, which India lost 1-2. He was also rested from a one-off game against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh.
The pace bowling duties are expected to be shared among Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. In the spin department, seasoned bowler Kuldeep Yadav is set to lead, supported by left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who recently had an impressive debut against Afghanistan.
The third spinner could be Washington Sundar, who achieved a four-wicket haul in the second innings against Afghanistan at Mullanpur. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey is expected to continue as a back-up slow bowler.
Tour Schedule and Preparations
The Indian squad is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka by August 4. They will play a four-day match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) in Colombo from August 7 to 10 to help them acclimatise to the local conditions.
The tour will commence with the first Test match at the Galle International Cricket Stadium (GICS) in Galle, scheduled from August 15 to 19. The second and final Test will take place at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to 27. This marks India’s first Test trip to Sri Lanka since 2017.
Upcoming Review Meeting
In addition to squad selection, the BCCI is planning a review meeting to discuss the national team’s recent white-ball performances. This meeting is expected to occur in early August, after the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe concludes on Sunday.
Top BCCI officials, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, Centre of Excellence (COE) head of cricket VVS Laxman, and the five-member selection panel, are expected to attend this meeting at the headquarters in Mumbai.
The review meeting follows recent T20I series defeats in Ireland (2-0) and England (4-0), as well as the ODI series loss of 2-1. The discussions are anticipated to address long-term tactical planning, the execution of game plans in overseas conditions, and the broader roadmap leading up to the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup.
The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, stated that the Test team announcement will be made by Tuesday.
Source: m.rediff.com
