The Indian cricket team is facing a growing fitness crisis, with several players currently sidelined ahead of matches. Shubman Gill is the latest name to join the list after suffering a finger injury, adding to concerns surrounding Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Akash Deep and Sai Sudharsan. Some players are undergoing rehabilitation, others remain under medical observation as India look to get its key stars back on the field. Here is the latest update on the Indian cricket team’s injury list and the status of each player.
Indian Cricket Team Injured Players:
1. Shubman Gill
Injury: Right ring finger impact injury
After giving Indian cricket fans a brief scare, captain Shubman Gill returned to bat on Sunday during the warm-up match against the Sri Lanka XI. He had previously missed the opening day as a precautionary measure after suffering an impact injury to his right ring finger.
The injury occurred during a training session on Thursday in Colombo. Gill was struck twice on his right hand, first while facing a left-arm pacer in the nets, and later while misjudging a sharp chance during a slip-catching drill. With the upcoming Test series on the horizon, the team management decided not to risk him, and KL Rahul temporarily took over the captaincy for the start of the warm-up fixture.
2. Jasprit Bumrah
Injury: Knee swelling
Jasprit Bumrah is currently sidelined due to knee swelling caused by a post-impact injury that led to fluid retention around the joint. Recognising the risk of rushing their lead fast bowler back into action, the BCCI Centre Of Excellence medical team decided against taking any chances. Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming Sri Lanka Tests to allow his knee to fully recover for a packed international schedule ahead.
3. Hardik Pandya
Injury: Quadriceps strain
Hardik Pandya experienced a quadriceps strain while ramping up his training workload at the COE. The star all-rounder had initially been making good progress in his rehabilitation, but his return was recently delayed after he picked up a minor calf issue. The medical team is exercising extreme caution with his recovery protocols.Â
4. Harshit Rana
Injury: Hamstring
Harshit Rana reported sudden discomfort in his right hamstring while bowling in the third T20I against England in July, with scans confirming a Grade 1 tear. Selection committee concerns were raised regarding his conditioning arriving to the series, which may have contributed to the muscle strain. He is currently at the COE completing his muscle repair and rehabilitation programme.
5. Washington Sundar
Injury: Quadriceps
Washington Sundar has been dealing with a quadriceps issue brought on by a heavy match and training workload, adding to his recent history of muscle strains. The all-rounder has been unable to participate in full-intensity training and will miss the red-ball series against Sri Lanka. He is currently undergoing rehab at the COE to rebuild strength in his legs.
6. Nitish Reddy
Injury: Hamstring
Nitish Reddy suffered a left quadriceps injury after attempting to increase his bowling speed by 7 to 8 kmph, putting excessive strain on his leg muscles during the Afghanistan series. The mechanical change resulted in muscle fibre disruption, ruling him out of recent white-ball tours. He remains under strict rehabilitation at the COE before he can be cleared for Return to Play protocols.
7. Varun Chakaravarthy
Injury: Hamstring tear
Varun Chakaravarthy suffered a hamstring tear during the same third T20I against England when Harshit Rana was also injured. The mystery spinner was forced off the field and immediately referred for medical evaluation. He is now stationed at the COE in Bengaluru, working with the sports science team on his recovery and physical conditioning.
8. Akash Deep
Injury: Lower back stress fracture
Akash Deep is nursing a lower back stress fracture, a severe injury he sustained during Bengal’s Ranji Trophy semi-final match earlier this year. Given the high-impact nature of fast bowling, stress fractures require an extended recovery timeline of 8 to 12 weeks to allow the bone to heal completely. He has been out of action the longest among the current group and is following a slow, progressive recovery programme at the COE.
9. Sai Sudharsan
Injury: Toe stress fracture
Sai Sudharsan is battling a stress fracture in his left big toe, an injury that developed over time from repetitive impact during matches and training. Although he attempted to manage the condition by limiting his batting practice to 75 minutes a day, the persistent pain has made footwork difficult. Consequently, he has been ruled out of the red-ball matches against Sri Lanka.
