India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning on August 15 in Galle, due to discomfort in his left knee.
Bumrah sustained an impact injury to his left knee and developed reactive swelling while fielding during the second ODI against England in Cardiff.
The injury also ruled him out of the ODI series decider at Lord’s on July 19.
Although Bumrah was initially named in the Shubman Gill-led Test squad, subject to fitness clearance, he is yet to resume bowling at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The medical team has reportedly advised additional recovery time to avoid aggravating the injury, with his full rehabilitation being treated as the priority.
With Bumrah unlikely to travel to Sri Lanka, the Ajit Agarkar-led senior selection committee is expected to name a replacement.
Jammu and Kashmir seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi has emerged as the leading contender.
Nabi claimed 60 wickets during Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy-winning campaign earlier this year.
He also picked up six wickets in two matches on the India A tour of Sri Lanka in June-July and trained with the senior national side before the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh in June.
India’s pace attack for the Sri Lanka series is expected to include Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar.
The Indian squad is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on August 4 before playing a three-day practice match at the NCC in Colombo from August 7-9.
The first Test will be played at the Galle International Stadium from August 15, followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club from August 23-27.