IND vs SL: India’s 1st Test preparations hit by fitness crisis as Bumrah awaits clearance
India’s preparations for the opening Test against Sri Lanka have been thrown into limbo as multiple injury concerns forced the selectors to wait to finalize the squad for the series.
Sources confirmed to India Today Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the first Test, while Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan will need clearance before they can be considered for selection. Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also unavailable, leaving the team management to make a few selection decisions ahead of the tour.
The Shubman Gill-led side is expected to leave for Sri Lanka as early as August 4 to begin preparations for the two-Test series. India are also scheduled for a four-day warm-up before the opening Test in Galle, so the next few days will be crucial for the medical staff and selectors.
Washington’s absence is the first confirmed setback. The all-rounder suffered the injury during the ODI series against England and was forced to miss the umpire at Lord’s. Sources told India Today that he will not be available for the opening Test, while the decision on his participation in the second match will depend on his recovery.
The 25-year-old is expected to report to the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) where he will continue his rehabilitation before undergoing further tests.
India is also waiting for clarification on Bumrah’s fitness. Sources said the speeder will continue to rest till July 30 before the Center of Excellence reports back. His return will be assessed after fresh medicals, with no decision yet taken on his availability for the start of the series.
Sai Sudharsan is progressing well in his recovery but the left-handed batsman has also not been cleared to return. His fitness will be re-assessed before the selectors make the final call.
Harshit Rana has been ruled out of selection while Nitish Kumar Reddy will miss the opening phase of the series, further reducing India’s options as they prepare for another Test assignment in the subcontinent.
Sources added that the selectors will make a final call on all fitness dependent players closer to the start of the series after reviewing the latest medical reports.
The uncertainty surrounding Washington and Bumrah comes at a critical stage in India’s preparations. Washington has become an important all-round option in the Test side, especially in Asian conditions, while Bumrah remains the leader of India’s pace attack and the spearhead of the bowling unit whenever he is fit.
With the squad expected to be assembled in less than two weeks, the selectors are unlikely to rush any players back. Instead, they will await final medical assessments before deciding on the squad to travel to Sri Lanka, where India will begin the series with a four-day warm-up before the opening Test in Galle.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
26 Jul 2026 14:40 IST