India Test squad for Sri Lanka tour to be announced by Tuesday
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce India‘s Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka by Tuesday, according to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will finalise the squad for the two-match series, which forms part of India‘s ICC World Test Championship (WTC) commitments.
A primary focus during the selection discussions will be the fitness of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah missed the third One Day International (ODI) against England at Lord’s due to an impact injury and reactive swelling on his left knee, sustained during the second game in Cardiff.
Fitness Concerns and Key Returns
Jasprit Bumrah‘s recovery is a significant concern for the selectors. A source close to the developments indicated that his recovery process is being monitored, with the Test series still several weeks away, potentially allowing him sufficient time to recover and join the team in Sri Lanka. However, it remains uncertain whether he will travel with the squad in the first week of August.
The Indian squad is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka by August 4 and will participate in a four-day match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) in Colombo from August 7 to 10. This warm-up fixture is intended to help the team acclimatise to the local conditions before the main series begins.
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is anticipated to make his return to the Test side. Jadeja, who last played an ODI against New Zealand in January, was not included in the recent three-match ODI series against England, which India lost 1-2. His all-round capabilities are expected to be valuable against Sri Lanka.
Bowling Line-up and Upcoming Schedule
The pace attack is expected to feature Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. In the spin department, experienced bowler Kuldeep Yadav is set to lead, supported by left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who recently impressed with his debut against Afghanistan.
Another spinner under consideration is Washington Sundar, who recorded a four-wicket haul in the second innings against Afghanistan at Mullanpur. Sundar is currently recovering from a right hamstring strain that kept him out of the game at Lord’s, and his availability for the series is yet to be confirmed. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey will continue as a back-up slow bowler.
The two-match Test series will commence with the first Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium (GICS) from August 15 to 19. The second and final Test will then take place at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
Review Meeting and Long-Term Planning
Beyond the squad announcement, the BCCI is also planning a review meeting to assess the national team’s recent white-ball performances. This meeting is expected to occur in early August, following the conclusion of the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Top BCCI officials, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, Centre of Excellence (COE) head of cricket VVS Laxman, and the five-member selection panel, are expected to attend this meeting at the headquarters in Mumbai. The discussions will focus on long-term tactical planning, execution of game plans in overseas conditions, and the broader roadmap leading up to the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup.
This review comes after India experienced T20I series defeats in Ireland (2-0) and England (4-0), in addition to losing the ODI series 2-1. While immediate changes are not anticipated, the meeting aims to address strategic considerations for the future.
Source: m.rediff.com
