Jasprit Bumrah is a modern day great across formats | PC- X.com/@abhaysingh_13
After a hit tour of Zimbabwe, Team India's next destination is Sri Lanka, where they will feature in a two-match Test series. With multiple players out, there are dark clouds over star pacer Jasprit Bumrah's selection as well.
As reported earlier, the BCCI will announce the Indian Test squad on Tuesday (July 28). It is worth mentioning that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Bumrah are set to return to the longest format after missing India’s previous assignment vs Afghanistan.
Nevertheless, the IND vs SL 1st Test will begin on August 15 at Galle and the second on August 23 at the SSC in Colombo.
Gurnoor Brar likely to be Jasprit Bumrah's backup in Sri Lanka
The prolific Jasprit Bumrah missed the last ODI between India and England at Lord's due to a knee injury, and he underwent scans on July 24. He is said to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for further assessment, as he has an injection-related inflammation.
According to Cricinfo, if Bumrah fails to prove his fitness, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will lead the pace attack in Sri Lanka. Moreover, Gurnoor Brar, who had an exceptional time with India A, is expected to get another Test call-up.
Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Warned By Indian Head Coach To Improve This Aspect
"Gurnoor Brar has strengthened his case with an impressive outing against Sri Lanka A, where he claimed a match haul of 10 wickets in the second four-day game. He also made his senior India debut during the ODI series against Afghanistan," the report stated.
Brar made his international debut against Afghanistan, and he played a couple more ODIs in England. However, he has yet to make his Test debut, despite being a part of the Test squad for the one-off Test match vs Afghanistan.
Notably, he picked up a ten-wicket haul in the only outing he had for India A vs Sri Lanka A.
India’s injury woes deepen ahead of Sri Lanka Test series
Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, India will likely miss the services of other regular players in Sri Lanka, such as Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Although the fast-bowling all-rounder has been rehabbing since getting injured during the IND vs AFG series, Rana and Sundar were injured in England.
The spinning all-rounder pulled his hamstring in the second ODI vs England, and he is expected to miss at least the first Test vs Sri Lanka. The right-arm quick picked up a Grade 1 hamstring strain in his right leg during the T20Is in England.
Moreover, there are some gloomy clouds over Sai Sudharsan’s selection as well. The Indian number 3 suffered an undisclosed injury, which he sustained during the unofficial Tests in Sri Lanka. That said, the left-handed batter is recovering well and will probably play the upcoming series.
New-look India set for another Test(ing) challenge
After retirements of Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Cheteshwar Pujara, India will tour the Sri Lankan Islands for the first time for a Test series. The last time they toured was in 2017, when the Indians whitewashed the hosts in a three-game series.
Notably, in 2015, the Kohli-led side helped India win a Test series in Sri Lanka after 22 years. Thus, the upcoming tour won't be a cakewalk for the Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir's team who is undergoing a transition.
Also Read: VVS Laxman Openly Speaks On Permanently Replacing Gautam Gambhir
