3 players who could replace Washington Sundar in India squad if he is ruled out SL vs IND Tests

Washington Sundar, as per reports, will miss both SL vs IND Tests.

When Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the India squad for Sri Lanka Tests, Washington Sundar’s name featured for only second Test as he was ruled out of first game. He sustained hamstring injury during England ODIs, but was expected to be fit for second game.

However, as per latest update by TOI, Washington Sundar is doubtful for entire two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. His injury has therefore created the possibility of another change to India’s squad for the series.

India already have several spin-bowling options in their wider pool, including players who can contribute with the bat. The selectors would have to assess the team’s requirements before making any further addition to the squad. The replacement would ideally need to provide a combination of spin bowling and lower-order batting, which is the role Sundar offers in the Test setup.

India already have Ravindra Jadeja as a senior spin-bowling all-rounder. Any further addition would therefore depend on the balance of the squad and the conditions expected in Sri Lanka. On that note, let’s take a look at players who could replace Washington Sundar in India squad.

3 players who could replace Washington Sundar for SL vs IND Tests

3. Axar Patel

Axar Patel is an established India international who bowls left-arm orthodox spin and bats in the lower order. In the first ODI of India’s series against England, he scored 57 and took 4-62, earning the Player of the Match award, which proves he is in great form. He also has proved his worth in Tests, and could be an ideal replacement for Sundar.

2. Tanush Kotian

Tanush Kotian was the Player of the Tournament in Mumbai’s 2023-24 Ranji Trophy title-winning campaign. He scored 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and took 29 wickets at an average of 16.96. He became the only player in that edition to complete the double of 500 runs and 25 wickets. He has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. Kotian has also traveled with team as net bowler, and could well get drafted into team.

1. Harsh Dubey

Harsh Dubey had a record-breaking 2024-25 Ranji Trophy campaign for Vidarbha. He finished the tournament with 69 wickets and 476 runs, helping Vidarbha win the title. His 69 wickets were the most by any bowler in a single Ranji Trophy season, and he was named Player of the Tournament. He was also part of India squad for Afghanistan series but didn’t make his debut. There are chances that he replace Sundar and make his debut in Sri Lanka.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.