India likely to announce Test squad for Sri Lanka tour this week; Washington Sundar's fitness remains major concern

The Ajit Agarkar-led senior men's selection committee is expected to announce India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka later this week. The series is scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle, with the Indian team likely to leave for Sri Lanka on August 4 to begin preparations.

As reported by The Times of India, informal discussions regarding the squad took place during India's recently concluded white-ball tour of England. However, the selectors are now awaiting clarity on the fitness of all-rounder Washington Sundar, whose injury has emerged as a key selection concern.

Washington sustained a right hamstring injury during the ODI series against England and was ruled out of the third and final ODI at Lord's. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the injury as a hamstring issue, the report states that the all-rounder will now head to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for further assessment before receiving clearance.

The discomfort had eased by the time Washington reached London, but he was advised to undergo scans, which were later reviewed by specialists. Even if the injury is only a Grade 1 strain or a minor pull, the 26-year-old is expected to require at least two weeks to regain full match fitness.

With India's departure for Sri Lanka just around the corner, the selectors are expected to closely monitor his recovery before making a final call.

Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja expected to return

The squad is likely to witness a few changes from the one that featured in the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Senior players Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to return for the Sri Lanka series.

If Washington fails to recover in time, the selectors could either retain Harsh Dubey or bring in an off-spinner like Saransh Jain to provide balance to the spin attack. Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to keep their places, while the pace department could comprise Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, and Prasidh Krishna.

Jadeja had missed the Afghanistan Test following the IPL, but chief selector Ajit Agarkar had reiterated his importance to the side, calling him the "no. 1 spinner in the format".

Apart from Washington's availability, another key decision revolves around Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE. The selectors must decide whether to back the seam-bowling all-rounder if he regains fitness or opt for a specialist player instead.

India will also play a four-day warm-up match before the opening Test in Galle as they prepare for a crucial series. Following the Sri Lanka tour, the Shubman Gill-led side will travel to New Zealand before hosting Australia in a five-match Test series. With India's World Test Championship campaign at a critical stage, a strong showing in Sri Lanka will be vital for their hopes of reaching the final.