India vs Sri Lanka: India suffered a massive blow less than a fortnight before their two-match test series in Sri Lanka. The Shubman Gill-led side would be touring the island nation without Jasprit Bumrah. In a report published by the Times of India, it is said that Bumrah is feeling some discomfort in his left knee. Earlier, when the Indian squad was announced, Bumrah’s name was added with an asterisk over his availability due to fitness concerns. With the right-arm pacer still nursing his injury, it seems that the visitors will have to rethink their plans.
India vs Sri Lanka: Jasprit Bumrah Injury Update
Earlier, reports said the BCCI medical team at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru was monitoring Bumrah’s recovery. The 32-year-old pacer was reportedly given an injection to stop the injury from flaring up. These steps were taken to possibly get Bumrah fit to play in the second test in Colombo. However, the medical team at CoE decided not to risk a premature return to the field.
IND vs SL: Shubman Gill and Co in a Spot of Bother
Jasprit Bumrah was named in India’s 15-man squad with clouds of doubt over his fitness. Now that the senior pacer has been ruled out of the test series, Shubman Gill, Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will be in a spot of bother. For Gambhir, after suffering a series whitewash at home against New Zealand and South Africa, not winning against Sri Lanka is not an option.
While the Indian squad already has Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar as pace-bowling options in the squad, they will be inclined to announce a replacement for Bumrah. All eyes would be on the thin fast bowling reserve in the domestic circuit as the Indian team looks for a replacement.
India vs Sri Lanka: Who will replace Jasprit Bumrah?
Auqib Nabi Dar from Jammu and Kashmir screams as the leading option to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the national setup. The 29-year-old has been unarguably the most successful fast bowler in the Ranji Trophy in the last two seasons and played a major role in the state winning their maiden title this year. Along with his bowling, Nabi could also add depth to the batting order.
IND vs SL Tests: India Test Squad
India Test Squad vs Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah**, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain
* Sai Sudharsan’s availability is subject to fitness clearance.
** Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly ruled out of the series.
Pragun is a passionate cricket follower and writer who deeply loves the game. Having completed his education with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, he has an experience of almost two years in diverse fields. He is known for his statistical and analytical articles. Pragun tries to bring life to his articles by adding a layer of enthusiasm from the perspective of a hardcore fan. Apart from writing cricket articles, he sometimes appears on YouTube videos on a friend’s podcast.