India Test squad for Sri Lanka tour likely this week; the selectors sweat in Washington Sundar | Cricket News

Washington Sundar in India. (Photo by AP/PTI)

NEW DELHI: The senior men’s selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkaris likely to pick the squad for the upcoming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, starting August 15 in Galle. Informal discussions are taking place on the sidelines of England’s white-ball tour, and a formal meeting will convene soon for the crucial series. It is learned that the selectors are waiting for an explanation about Washington Sundar, who injured himself during the three ODI series. The all-rounder has been forced to miss the series decider at Lord’s and is likely to check with the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) for the necessary clearance. The official word from the Indian cricket board mentions a right hamstring injury. TimesofIndia.com learned that as the pain subsided when he arrived in London, he was asked to undergo a scan, which was later shared with specialists for an opinion. It is understood that even if it is just a pull or Grade 1 injury, the 26-year-old could take at least two weeks to regain full match fitness. Since the Indian squad is likely to leave Sri Lanka as early as August 4 to begin preparations, it remains to be seen how the selectors will handle the situation in Washington. The Shubman Gill-led squad will also participate in a four-day warm-up fixture before the Galle Test.The squad from the one-off Test against Afghanistan last month is set to change, as the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to return. It remains to be seen whether Harsh Dubey will remain in his place if Washington is unable to regain fitness, or if the selectors will opt for an off-spinner like Saransh Jain to maintain diversity in the spin-attack. Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav are likely to retain their positions, while the pace attack is expected to include Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna. Jadeja was not selected for the fixture against Afghanistan after the IPL, but Agarkar maintained that the experienced all-rounder remains the “no. 1 spinner in the format”. As for the batting, the usual names will continue, and a decision is likely to be made by the two all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sundar. Will the selectors opt for the seam-bowling all-rounder who is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE, or will they look for a specialist? These couple of calls will be interesting in what promises to be a highly anticipated squad.

India struggled in Tests under head coach Gautam Gambhir, whitewashed by New Zealand and South Africa at home. They need a strong series in Sri Lanka to keep their chances of final World Test Championship qualification alive. After the Sri Lanka tour, India will play New Zealand, in New Zealand, before hosting Australia for five Tests at home.