Published on: Jul 27, 2026 6:08 pm IST|Updated on: Jul 27, 2026 6:08 pm IST
The Indian selection committee, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, is gearing up to finalize the Test squad for the upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, starting August 15 in Galle. As the team prepares to embark on this important World Test Championship (WTC) assignment, the team management faces a critical selection call as the team is struggling with nagging injuries.
While key experienced stars are returning to action, a few young prospects and senior pacers are racing against time to receive fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Here is the complete breakdown of who is available, who remains uncertain, and who has been ruled out.
In what comes as fantastic news for India’s spin department, senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has fully recovered and is officially fit for selection. Jadeja had been sidelined since May due to a tennis elbow injury sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL).
His return provides invaluable stability, experience, and depth to India’s starting XI, especially on the traditionally spin-friendly surfaces of Galle and Colombo. With conditions expected to favor slow bowlers, Jadeja’s ability to control proceedings with both bat and ball makes him a key asset for captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah remains under close observation following a minor knee scare during the recent bilateral tour of England. Bumrah suffered an impact injury during the second ODI in Cardiff and was subsequently rested for the final decider at Lord’s as a precaution.
Official clarification provided by the BCCI regarding his injury status stated:
“Jasprit Bumrah had an impact injury on his left knee while fielding in the second ODI in Cardiff. He was not available for selection for the third ODI due to reactive swelling in his left knee.”
Medical reports indicate the knee swelling is not serious enough to rule him out of the entire tour. Bumrah is expected to undergo a final fitness check at the Centre of Excellence before the final squad announcement, with the management keen to manage his workload carefully.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: The all-rounder remains sidelined due to an ongoing quadriceps injury that previously kept him out of the Ireland and England tours.
India’s batting order is expected to stay largely unchanged. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are set to open, followed by Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill at number three and four. Rishabh Pant will resume first-choice wicketkeeping duties, backed up by Dhruv Jurel. In the bowling department, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will complement the spin attack alongside Jadeja and possibly Axar Patel, who could be recalled to the Test squad if Washington misses out.