IND vs SL 2026: Washington Sundar Doubtful for Second Test vs Sri Lanka

The Indian cricket team is grappling with an escalating injury crisis ahead of and during their crucial two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, part of the ICC World Test Championship. Already without frontline pacer Jasprit Bumrah and promising batter Sai Sudharsan, the team has received another blow with all-rounder Washington Sundar's participation in the second Test now highly doubtful. Sundar, recovering from a hamstring injury, was provisionally named only for the second Test but is increasingly unlikely to join the squad, raising further concerns about India's player fitness management. Sri Lanka Announce Squad For IND vs SL 1st Test 2026: Dhananjaya de Silva Named Captain, Niroshan Dickwella Makes Comeback.

Washington Sundar's Doubtful Participation for Second Test

Washington Sundar sustained a hamstring injury during the second One Day International against England last month. He has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. While initially considered for the second Test, reports suggest a highly cautious approach by the BCCI medical team, wary of past instances where players suffered quick relapses upon returning from injury. A source indicated that "At this moment, the chances of Washington going to Sri Lanka are very slim," and that the team management has been advised to prepare contingency plans. His workload is being carefully increased, but deploying him directly into a Test match without prior game time is a significant concern for the medical staff.

Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan Already Sidelined

The news regarding Sundar comes after the confirmed exclusions of two other prominent players. Ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the entire Sri Lanka Test series due to a left knee injury, aggravated during the ODI series against England last month. Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi was named as his replacement, marking his maiden call-up to the senior national team. Bumrah, aged 32, has been managing this injury since the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Similarly, young left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the Test series owing to a stress reaction in his right big toe, an injury he sustained during the India A tour of Sri Lanka last month. Sudharsan, who scored two centuries in two 'A' Test matches, has not fully recovered despite rehabilitation efforts at the CoE. Sarfaraz Khan has been named to be drafted into the squad as his replacement. Ajinkya Rahane Joins Sony Sports Commentary Panel for India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026.

India's Growing Injury Crisis and CoE Scrutiny

These setbacks are part of a larger injury crisis plaguing the Indian team. As many as 13 key players are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, including Hardik Pandya (left thigh), Nitish Kumar Reddy (hamstring), Harshit Rana (right hamstring), and Akash Deep (back stress fracture). Even captain Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during a practice session, though he is expected to feature in the first Test, with KL Rahul leading the side in a warm-up.

The alarming frequency of injuries and recurring setbacks has put the CoE under intense scrutiny, with questions being raised about its sports science protocols and effectiveness. BCCI Joint Secretary Devajit Saikia is reportedly planning a visit to the CoE to discuss player fitness and recovery processes directly with CoE head VVS Laxman. Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath has also publicly criticized the team management for their handling of player workload, stating, "I don't know who is making the decisions. CoE is not involved in the selection process. They can update about his fitness levels and how many matches he can play. The captain, coach and the selectors have the power to take the calls."

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule

India's growing injury concerns have significantly weakened the squad's depth, disrupting selection plans as they chase crucial World Test Championship points. The team management now faces the difficult task of managing player fitness while remaining competitive.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 02:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).