India all-rounder Washington Sundar is facing a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle. With less than a month remaining before the start of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 assignment, Sundar’s fitness has become a key concern for the Indian selectors.
According to reports, the senior selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to finalise India’s squad for the Sri Lanka tour in the coming days. Preliminary discussions reportedly took place during India’s white-ball tour of England, while the official selection meeting is expected before the team departs for Sri Lanka.
Sundar was ruled out of the third and final ODI against England at Lord’s after sustaining a right hamstring injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the injury, and reports suggest the all-rounder could report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for rehabilitation and fitness assessment before being cleared for selection.
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Medical evaluations indicated that Sundar’s discomfort reduced after reaching London, but he was advised to undergo further scans, with the reports sent to specialists for detailed analysis. Even if the injury is only a Grade 1 strain, the recovery process is expected to take at least two weeks, leaving the selectors with an important decision to make.
🚨 UPDATES ON INDIA SQUAD FOR SL TEST SERIES 🚨 (TOI Sports)
– Team India squad is likely picked in this week.
– No Washington Sundar due to injury.
– Jadeja & Bumrah is likely back in test squad.
– Harsh Dubey & Manav Suthar continue with the team.
– Kuldeep Yadav is also…— Karthick RS45 (@KarthickRaj3468) July 21, 2026
India are expected to travel to Sri Lanka on August 4 and will play a four-day practice match before the opening Test to prepare for the challenging conditions. The warm-up fixture could also serve as an opportunity for players returning from injury to regain match rhythm.
The squad is likely to feature several changes from the team that played the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Senior stars Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to return, strengthening India’s bowling attack and overall balance.
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However, if Washington Sundar fails to prove his fitness in time, the selectors may have to look at alternative spin options. Harsh Dubey remains in contention to retain his place, while off-spinner Saransh Jain could also emerge as a strong candidate as India aim to assemble their best combination for the crucial Sri Lanka Test series.
