NEW DELHI – The Indian cricket team faces mounting injury concerns ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, with all-rounder Washington Sundar’s availability now cast into significant doubt. This latest setback follows news of Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan also being sidelined, raising questions about India’s squad depth and selection strategies.
Sundar, who was initially selected only for the second Test due to an ongoing recovery from a hamstring injury, is now facing an uphill battle to join the squad. Sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) indicate a strong reluctance from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) and the Indian team management to rush his return, especially given the recent spate of player breakdowns.
“At this moment, the chances of Washington going to Sri Lanka are very slim. The team management has been told to plan accordingly,” a BCCI source revealed to TOI. “The BCCI medical team is wary of pushing him into a Test match. There have been a few instances where players have broken down immediately after recovering from an injury.”
Sundar sustained his hamstring injury in England last month, and his recovery has been carefully managed. “Washington was picked only for the second Test knowing it will be touch-and-go for him to gain full fitness. He hasn’t played much after sustaining the injury in England last month. His workload is being carefully increased,” the source added.
Should Sundar be officially ruled out, it is understood that the selectors are unlikely to name a replacement. The squad already comprises 15 members, with Sundar intended as the 16th. The decision hinges on a thorough assessment next week, considering whether it is prudent to deploy him in a Test match without prior game time and the team’s performance in Sri Lanka.
Uncertain Timelines for Bumrah and Akash Deep
Adding to the team’s woes, the CoE’s medical team has yet to provide any definitive timeline for the return of star pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. Both players are grappling with significant injuries.
Bumrah has been nursing a knee injury since last month, also sustained in England. His rehabilitation has been meticulously handled, with the CoE prioritising caution. “The CoE was working on increasing Bumrah’s workload before the Test series in Sri Lanka. It was felt that he would not be ready in time. It has been a long time since he has bowled in longer formats for a while. The CoE is very careful about him. They haven’t given any timeline on him,” the source explained.
There’s a growing sentiment within Indian cricket circles that the team may need to prepare for a future without Bumrah, especially in the longer formats, particularly after next year. This suggests the severity and recurring nature of his injuries are a significant concern for the management.
Akash Deep, on the other hand, has been out of action since January due to a stress fracture in his back. His recovery has also proven challenging. “For Akash Deep, the CoE’s target was to get him cricket fit by the Sri Lanka tour. That hasn’t happened. Now, they haven’t communicated any timeline to the team management and the selection committee. It’s not easy to come back from a back injury,” the source elaborated.
The team management remains hopeful that Akash Deep will be available for the crucial tour of New Zealand. The prospect of both Bumrah and Akash Deep returning for the two Tests in New Zealand would be a significant boost for the team, offering much-needed strength to their fast-bowling attack. However, for now, the Indian squad faces a challenging period of uncertainty as they navigate these key injury concerns.
