India's preparations for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka have suffered another setback, with multiple reports suggesting Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the two-match series due to a knee injury.
The development comes just days after reports indicated the BCCI Centre of Excellence had cleared the world's No. 1 Test bowler to feature in both matches, raising fresh questions over his fitness ahead of a crucial phase in India's World Test Championship campaign.
Fresh discomfort reportedly sidelines Bumrah
According to reports from the Times of India and News18, Bumrah continues to experience discomfort in his left knee despite undergoing assessments at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
The reports claim that the Indian team management and medical staff have decided against rushing the fast
bowler back, prioritising his long-term fitness over an early return.
A BCCI source quoted by the Times of India said the board was determined to avoid repeating past mistakes.
"There have been instances in the past where players have been rushed back to cricket and have broken down. You can't take that risk again. Especially with Bumrah. So complete recovery is the only goal, and there is a lot of cricket left in the year. "
The BCCI has not yet issued an official statement confirming Bumrah's withdrawal.
India's pace attack faces another reshuffle
If Bumrah is ruled out, India will be without three fast bowlers for the Sri Lanka series.
Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy have already been ruled out through injury, while Washington Sundar is expected to miss the opening Test before returning for the second match in Colombo.
That would leave Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar as India's frontline pace options for the series opener in Galle.
Auqib Nabi Dar emerges as leading replacement candidate
According to the reports, Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar is the frontrunner to replace Bumrah in India's squad.
The uncapped seamer enjoyed a breakthrough 2025-26 domestic season, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy and helping Jammu and Kashmir secure their maiden Ranji Trophy title.
A call-up would mark his first inclusion in India's senior national team.
Sri Lanka series carries major WTC significance
India begin the two-match series against Sri Lanka on August 15 in Galle before the second Test starts in Colombo on August 23.
The series has added importance in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, with India needing to win seven of their remaining nine Tests to remain in contention for a place in the WTC final.
Should Bumrah's absence be confirmed, it would represent a significant blow to India's hopes, with the pace spearhead expected to play a pivotal role across a demanding Test calendar that also includes tours of New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later in the cycle.
