Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 2: India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka after failing to recover fully from a left knee injury, according to reports.

The series is scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15, but Bumrah continues to experience discomfort despite receiving treatment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). The medical team has reportedly advised against rushing his return, prioritising a complete recovery.

Bumrah had received an injection last month after the knee issue resurfaced during the closing stages of the ICC T20 World Cup. While there were discussions about making him available for the second Test in Colombo, the BCCI medical staff is understood to have ruled out any risk of an early comeback.

According to reports, Bumrah was never expected to join the Indian squad in Mumbai on August 3 ahead of the team's departure the following day, as the rehabilitation plan always involved a longer recovery period.

Sources said the decision was taken keeping in mind the busy international calendar ahead, including the Asian Games, the tour of New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy early next year.

Bumrah had been named in the Shubman Gill-led squad subject to fitness clearance. With his absence now likely, the senior selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to announce a replacement shortly.

Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has emerged as the leading contender. The 29-year-old recently trained with the Indian team before the one-off Test against Afghanistan and toured Sri Lanka with the India A side, where he claimed six wickets in two matches. He is expected to strengthen India's pace attack if named as Bumrah's replacement.