India all-rounder Washington Sundar is unlikely to recover in time for the second Test against Sri Lanka as he continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury, according to a report in The Times of India. Sundar has already been ruled out of the series opener in Galle and was initially expected to target the second Test for a possible return. However, the Indian team management and the BCCI Centre of Excellence are reportedly unwilling to rush the 26-year-old back into action, particularly with several first-choice players currently dealing with injuries.
According to the report, the chances of Sundar travelling to Sri Lanka are currently slim. The BCCI medical team is believed to be taking a cautious approach after instances of players suffering setbacks soon after returning from injuries. “At this moment, the chances of Washington going to Sri Lanka are very slim. The team management has been told to plan accordingly. The BCCI medical team is wary of pushing him into a Test,” a source told The Times of India.
The source added that Sundar had been selected for the second Test despite uncertainty over his recovery, making his availability a close call from the beginning.
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“There have been a few instances where players have broken down after recovering from an injury. Washington was picked only for the second Test, knowing it would be touch-and-go for him to gain full fitness,” the source said.
India is already managing a significant injury list, with several members of the first-choice squad undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence. With the Sri Lanka Tests forming part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, the management is expected to prioritise player fitness over taking unnecessary risks.
🚨 BAD NEWS FOR INDIA TEAM 🚨
– No Washington Sundar in 2nd Test match against Sri Lanka. He isn’t fully fit for playing. pic.twitter.com/FmP4JkbhzP
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) August 12, 2026
If Sundar is ultimately ruled out of the tour, the selectors are unlikely to name a replacement. India has already finalised their 15-member squad, meaning any decision on Sundar’s participation will depend on his fitness assessment.
“Washington will be the 16th member if he links up with the team. It needs to be assessed if it will be worthwhile to send him for a Test without any game time. A thorough assessment will be done next week, which will include how the team is placed in Sri Lanka,” the source explained.
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India will already miss Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan for the two-Test series, while Sundar will definitely miss the opening Test in Galle on August 15. His availability for the second Test remains doubtful, leaving India with another selection concern ahead of the series.
