Sundar's Sri Lanka Test availability in doubt, chances of joining team 'very slim'
Washington Sundar's participation in the second Test is uncertain due to injury concerns. The Indian team management prefers caution after recent player injuries. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep also face uncertain return timelines from their injuries. Selectors may not name a replacement if Washington Sundar is ruled out. The medical team is carefully assessing player fitness for upcoming tours.
Satyendra Pratap Singh, commonly known as Washington Sundar, faces an uncertain future in the upcoming second Test against Sri Lanka. The center of excellence and the Indian team management are exercising caution due to the recent wave of injuries in the team. Currently, the likelihood of Washington being part of the Sri Lankan tour is very slim.
The BCCI medical team is hesitant to push him into a Test match, citing the risk of players breaking down immediately after recovering from injuries. Washington was only selected for the second Test, acknowledging the difficulties he faces in regaining full fitness. Given his limited playing time since the injury sustained in England last month, the medical team is carefully increasing his workload.
If Washington is ruled out, the selectors, who have already named a 15-member squad, are unlikely to field a replacement. The team management will assess the situation next week, taking into account the team's performance in Sri Lanka.
As for the pace attacks, Bumrah and Akash Deep's return timelines remain unclear. Bumrah, who suffered a knee injury in England, and Akash Deep, who has been out since January due to a back stress fracture, have yet to receive any timelines from the center of excellence. The center of excellence has been cautious in increasing Bumrah's workload before the Sri Lankan series, fearing he might not be match-fit in time.
Similarly, Akash Deep's return from his back injury is uncertain, and no timeline has been communicated to the team management or selection committee. The Indian cricket team may have to prepare for life without Bumrah in longer formats, particularly for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, which will be crucial for the team.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
