New Delhi: India have announced three changes to their squad for the upcoming two Test series against Sri Lanka, with Jasprit Bumrah returning to the side while Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Harsh Dubey miss out. The series will be led by captain Shubman Gill, with the first Test scheduled in Galle from August 15 to 19, followed by the second in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
Bumrah returns to the squad in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Ravindra Jadeja replaces Harsh Dubey. Saransh Jain has also been included as Washington Sundar’s replacement, adding an off spin option to India’s bowling attack.
Among the players omitted, both Reddy and Sundar are unavailable due to injuries. Reddy has been recovering from a quadriceps injury for more than a month and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Although he has resumed bowling, the Sri Lanka series has come too soon for his return.
Sundar is recovering from a right hamstring injury. The BCCI has indicated that he is unavailable only for the opening Test, leaving open the possibility of his return for the second match if he regains full fitness.
Harsh Dubey is the only player left out for tactical reasons. The left arm spinner, who received his maiden Test call up for the Afghanistan Test, has been replaced after Manav Suthar impressed with a seven wicket performance and retained his place. Jadeja’s return also influenced the spin combination, while Saransh Jain’s inclusion provides India with an additional off spin option in Sundar’s absence.
Bumrah’s selection, however, remains subject to final medical clearance after he suffered a minor knee impact injury last week. If he is unable to play, India could bring in Auqib Nabi as his replacement.
There is also uncertainty surrounding batter Sai Sudharsan, whose fitness continues to be monitored. Devdutt Padikkal has been included as a direct backup, and the selectors may add another batter to the squad if Sudharsan is ruled out before the series begins.
