Injury During Training
Washington Sundar has been ruled out of India’s first Test against Sri Lanka after sustaining a hamstring injury during a training session at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that Sundar will undergo rehabilitation at the NCA under the supervision of the medical team.
BCCI Statement and Replacement
According to a BCCI official, the all-rounder felt discomfort in his left hamstring while bowling in the nets and subsequent scans revealed a Grade 1 strain. “Washington will miss the first Test due to the injury. He has been advised rest and will begin his rehab immediately. Axar Patel has been called up as his replacement,” the official said. Patel, who has been in impressive form in domestic cricket, will join the squad ahead of the match starting on July 26.
Impact on Team Balance
Sundar’s absence is a significant blow for India, as he provided a crucial balance with his off-spin bowling and lower-order batting. In the four Tests he has played, he has taken 12 wickets and scored two half-centuries. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a key contender for the spin-bowling all-rounder’s role. With Axar Patel, who is also a left-arm spinner and a hard-hitting batsman, India retains a similar option. However, the team management may also consider Ravindra Jadeja, who is part of the squad, as the primary spin-bowling all-rounder.
India's Preparations Ahead of Series
The first Test is part of a two-match series against Sri Lanka. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will look to maintain their dominance at home. The team has been training in Bangalore, focusing on adapting to spin-friendly conditions. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah has also been rested from the Test series to manage his workload, adding further to the selection challenges. The BCCI medical team is monitoring Sundar’s recovery and expects him to be fit for the second Test, scheduled to start in two weeks.
Sundar himself expressed disappointment at missing the match but is determined to return stronger. “It’s hard to miss such an important series against Sri Lanka, but I’m confident the team will do well. I’ll work hard on my rehab and aim to be back for the next game,” he said in a statement.
