The India cricket team squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is likely to be announced this week, as per reports. Shubman Gill and co. are expected to leave for the island nation on August 4 and will play a practice game before the series that will commence from August 15. Some changes are set to be made in the squad from the one-off Test against Afghanistan, with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja set to return.
India squad for SL series to be announced this week
As per the Times of India, the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar are expected to formally meet this week to pick the squad for the series. The selectors have already held informal talks on the sidelines of the T20I and ODI series in England. The report states that the selectors are waiting for clarity on Washington Sundar as the all-rounder is due to check into the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) after sustaining a hamstring injury during the ENG vs IND 2nd ODI.
Sundar reportedly underwent scans after the game, which has been shared with specialists. While the BCCI has labelled it a right hamstring injury, the report states that even a pull or a Grade 1 injury would mean it would take two weeks for Washington to recover. Therefore, he could miss the series against Sri Lanka.
Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, who were rested for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, are expected to return to the Test squad. The report states that Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar are likely to retain their spots in the squad, while the pace department will comprise of Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna apart from Bumrah.
Apart from Sundar, the selectors will also have to take a call on Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is yet to recover from an injury he sustained before the series against England. One can’t forget that the World Test Championship (WTC) points are on the line. India is currently 5th in the race and has a tough road ahead with away tours of Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Following which, Australia will arrive in India for a 5-match Test series.
India vs Sri Lanka Test series schedule
| Match No. | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 15 to 19 | Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle |
| 2nd Test | August 23 to 27 | Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Cricket Ground, Colombo |
Cricket
India squad for Sri Lanka Tests to be picked this week: Bumrah, Jadeja to return, Washington Sundar doubtful
