Washington Sundar Replacements: All-rounders Who Can Enter India Squad Vs Sri Lanka

Washington Sundar, Axar Patel [Source: AFP]

India are set to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series beginning on August 15, with both matches forming part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. 

The opening Test will be played in Galle from August 15, before the action shifts to the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo for the second and final Test from August 23.

However, ahead of the highly anticipated series, India have been dealt a major blow, as Washington Sundar recently suffered an injury during India vs England ODI series. Notably, Sundar picked up a hamstring injury during 2nd ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

With his availability for the IND vs SL series still not confirmed, here are the players who could make their case for a place in India’s Test squad vs Sri Lanka.

All-rounders Who Can Replace Washington Sundar In India's Squad For Sri Lanka Test Series

Saransh Jain

With Washington Sundar likely to be rested for IND vs SL Tests, Saransh Jain could be one of the strongest contenders to replace him in India's squad. 

Notably, Saransh is a like-for-like replacement for Sundar, as he offers both right arm off-spin and valuable batting ability in lower order. 

Moreover, he impressed during IND A vs SL A series, picking up 7 wickets in 4 innings at an economy rate of 3.41, while also scoring 75 runs. Meanwhile, his impressive First-class record further strengthens his case.

In 54 matches, he has scalped 188 wickets and scored 2223 runs, including 2 centuries and 14 fifties. As India might look for batting depth along with a reliable spin option, Jain could be an ideal replacement for Washington Sundar in India’s squad against Sri Lanka.

Also Read: Shubman Gill Indirectly Blames Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar And Axar Patel For India's Loss

Axar Patel

Axar Patel could also come into India's squad if Washington Sundar is ruled out of the all-important Test series. Although he was not part of the Afghanistan one-off Test, the all-rounder brings valuable experience and has consistently delivered whenever given opportunities in the longest format. 

While Axar has been in and out of India’s Test squad, he last featured for India in December 2025 during South Africa series, where he picked up 2 wickets and scored 42 runs across 2 innings.

Furthermore, his ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a strong option to replace Sundar.  If the team management prefers experience over a new face, Axar could be the frontrunner to slot into India's squad vs Sri Lanka.

Harsh Dubey

Harsh Dubey is all-rounder who could benefit from Washington Sundar's absence. Although he was included in India's squad for Afghanistan one-off Test, he did not get the opportunity to feature in India's squad. 

However, Sundar's likely absence could open the door for the left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder. Notably, Dubey impressed during IND A vs SL A Tests by scoring 59 runs in 2 innings while also taking 3 wickets. 

Moreover, his FC cricket numbers make a strong case for selection. Notably, Dubey has claimed 133 wickets in 27 matches at an average of 23.26, including nine five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket hauls. 

Furthermore, with India looking for a spin-bowling all-rounder to fill the void left by Sundar, Harsh Dubey has the skill set to push for a place in India's squad vs Sri Lanka.

Also Read: West Indies Name Roston Chase, John Campbell's Replacements For Last 2 ODIs Vs New Zealand