India have received a significant boost ahead of their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah being declared fit after recovering from an impact injury sustained during the ODI series against England.
The BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru cleared Bumrah following a series of fitness assessments, paving the way for his return to the Test squad. The pacer had missed the third ODI at Lord’s and was included in the Test squad subject to fitness clearance.
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A senior BCCI official confirmed that Bumrah has completed all mandatory fitness tests and is expected to be available for both Tests. His return comes at an important time, with India battling several injury setbacks ahead of the series.
Led by Shubman Gill, India are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings and require victories to remain in contention for a place in the 2027 final. The team is targeting seven wins from its remaining nine Tests, making the Sri Lanka series a crucial assignment before a challenging tour of New Zealand later this year.
India will, however, be without several players. Harshit Rana has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, Nitish Kumar Reddy is recovering from a quadriceps issue, while Washington Sundar will miss the opening Test because of a hamstring problem. Off-spin all-rounder Saransh Jain has been drafted into the squad, and Akash Deep also remains unavailable due to a back injury.
Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja return after being rested for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and uncapped pacer Gurnoor Brar complete the pace attack.
The first Test begins in Galle on August 15, with the second scheduled in Colombo from August 23, as India look to begin a crucial phase of their WTC campaign on a winning note.
