Two Options to Replace Injured Washington Sundar for Sri Lanka Tests
With Washington Sundar's hamstring injury casting doubt on his availability, India may turn to Saransh Jain or Axar Patel as like-for-like replacements.
India's Test series against Sri Lanka, starting August 15, faces a setback as all-rounder Washington Sundar is nursing a hamstring injury picked up during the ODI series against England. The team management is likely to rest him, opening the door for other spin-bowling all-rounders to step in.
Saransh Jain emerges as a strong candidate, offering a similar skill set with his right-arm off-spin and lower-order batting. He impressed during the India A tour of Sri Lanka, claiming seven wickets in four innings at an economy of 3.41 and scoring 75 runs. His first-class record—188 wickets and 2,223 runs in 54 matches—adds weight to his case.
Axar Patel is another experienced option. Though not part of the previous Test against Afghanistan, he has proven his worth in the longest format, last playing in the South Africa series in December 2025 where he picked up wickets. His batting depth and left-arm spin could provide balance to the squad.