India have received a timely boost ahead of next month's Test series against Sri Lanka, with Ravindra Jadeja declared fit and available for selection after
recovering from the injury that sidelined him since the IPL.
The senior all-rounder is expected to be in contention when the selectors meet on Monday to pick the squad for the two-match series, although final fitness assessments are still pending for Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana.
Ravindra Jadeja cleared for selection
Jadeja has recovered from the tennis elbow injury he suffered during IPL 2026 and is now available for the tour of Sri Lanka.
The 37-year-old has not featured in competitive cricket since May and last represented India in the ODI series against New Zealand in January.
His return gives India an experienced left-arm spinning all-rounder ahead of two Tests expected to be played on spin-friendly surfaces in Galle and Colombo.
Fitness concerns remain over Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana
While Jadeja has been cleared, selectors are still awaiting the final medical report on Washington Sundar.
The off-spinning all-rounder missed the third ODI against England with a hamstring injury and was replaced in the squad by Harsh Dubey. According to ESPNcricinfo, India could initially name a 15-member squad and add Washington later as the 16th player if he is fit in time for the second Test.
Harshit Rana is also racing against time to recover from a hamstring injury sustained during the T20I series in England. The fast bowler had only recently returned after missing both the IPL and T20 World Cup with a knee injury, making his availability unlikely for the Sri Lanka series.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is also expected to miss the tour as he continues his recovery from a quadriceps injury.
Jasprit Bumrah expected to be available
India are also set to receive encouraging news on Jasprit Bumrah.
The pace spearhead missed the final ODI against England after suffering an impact injury to his left knee in Cardiff. However, the injury was understood to be precautionary, and Bumrah is expected to be available for the Sri Lanka Tests.
Given his heavy workload across the IPL, T20 World Cup and recent international assignments, the team management is likely to continue managing his workload carefully during the World Test Championship cycle.
India's likely squad taking shape
The remainder of India's squad is expected to feature few surprises.
KL Rahul is set to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order, with captain Shubman Gill continuing at No. 4. Sai Sudharsan is likely to retain his place after impressing for India A, while Devdutt Padikkal remains in contention.
Rishabh Pant is expected to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Dhruv Jurel providing backup.
If Bumrah is fit, he is likely to lead the pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Gurnoor Brar has strengthened his claims after a 10-wicket match haul for India A against Sri Lanka A.
India's spin department is expected to feature Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Manav Suthar, while Harsh Dubey could come into contention if Washington Sundar is unavailable. Saransh Jain has also emerged as an option after impressing for India A with six wickets and an unbeaten 70 against Sri Lanka A.
When does the series begin?
India will begin their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15 in Galle before the second Test starts on August 23 at the SSC in Colombo.
The series marks India's next assignment in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. India currently sit fifth in the standings, with Sri Lanka one place behind in sixth.
