SL v IND 2026: Jasprit Bumrah unlikely to travel to Sri Lanka with rest of India’s Test squad despite fitness progress - Report

India's Test tour of Sri Lanka will kick-off in Galle on August 15.

India’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka is all set to get underway on August 15 in Galle. The series is extremely crucial for Shubman Gill’s men as they look to climb from fifth place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings.

With two weeks remaining for the Test series, a report published in TOI claims that the Indian team management is likely to adopt a cautious approach with Jasprit Bumrah.

The ace pacer suffered an impact injury on his left knee while fielding during the second ODI against England in Cardiff on July 17, which forced him to miss the series decider at Lord's. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

According to the report, there is nothing serious with Bumrah’s left knee but the stakeholders are in no mood to rush him. Following conditioning at the CoE, the fast bowler is likely to resume bowling on Saturday (August 1) and is expected to increase the intensity of his training moving forward.

The report also claimed that Bumrah was due to receive an injection after his knee-related issue had flared up during the final stages of the T20 World Cup 2026. The knee was managed carefully through the IPL 2026, following a brief stint at the CoE.

"Selectors were thoroughly briefed. Bumrah was advised an injection by the BCCI medical team and had to rest for the following 8-10 days. The moment that period was over, he reached the CoE for assessment. He is yet to start bowling and the management will be given a better idea in the coming days," TOI quoted a source as saying.

While Bumrah has been included in the squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, his final availability is subject to fitness clearance. Due to his rehabilitation timeline, he is highly unlikely to depart with the rest of the squad on August 4 and may join them directly in Galle ahead of the series opener.

"It is too early to make that call. He will start bowling from Saturday, and the picture will become much clearer when he bowls full throttle. See it's not a batter we are dealing with. So, the assessment and other protocols are different. And with Bumrah, what's the need to take any chance? There are still 15 days for the Test. So, fingers crossed," the source added.

Before the all-important Test series, India are scheduled to play a four-day practice match in Colombo from August 7.