The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating sending players to England after multiple cases of injuries in the Indian camp ahead of the five-match Test series, starting August 4 at Trent Bridge.

Earlier this week, young opener Shubman Gill returned from UK after sustaining shin injury and the duo of Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar have now suffered injuries while playing in the warm-up match for County Select XI.

While BCCI selectors had turned down the team management's request to send a replacement for injured Gill earlier this month, a report published in TOI claims that Avesh and Sundar’s injuries have now prompted the Indian board to reconsider its stance.

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According to the report, replacements will be sent from the Indian squad for the ongoing Sri Lanka tour but the COVID-19 travel restrictions have made things difficult for the BCCI.

"We will see if replacements are needed to be sent to England immediately," a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying by TOI on July 22.

After Gill’s injury, the team management was keen on availing the services of either Prithvi Shaw or Devdutt Padikkal in England and the side will now need a cover for Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar, who have been ruled of the upcoming Test series.

BCCI's task of sending players would certainly become easier if UK government eases travel restrictions for Sri Lanka-based passengers.

"There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. Travel restrictions is one such thing. If players are indeed sent then it will be from the batch that is in Sri Lanka at the moment. Sri Lanka is also on the 'Red List' for the UK government. The board is figuring out logistical challenges before taking a call. A bubble-to-bubble transfer isn't possible. Selectors will decide how many players are needed to be sent if need arises. If Sri Lanka is moved to the 'Amber List next week, then things will get easier," the official added

The report further suggests that senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar might board the flight to UK and the discussion over his future in the longest format is currently underway.

Bhuvneshwar, who recently rubbished the reports of wanting to quit Test cricket, is currently touring Sri Lanka. He is playing the role of skipper Shikhar Dhawan’s deputy in the white-ball tour, comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is.

(With TOI inputs)