'Big blow' for India as injured Vijay ruled out of opening Sri Lanka Test

India’s opening batsman Murali Vijay will miss the first Test against Sri Lanka, starting Wednesday, in Colombo.

The 31-year-old is ruled out due to a mild hamstring strain, Team India Director Ravi Shastri said in Colombo on Monday.

Lokesh Rahul is likely to partner Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the batting order.

"Murali Vijay will not be fit for the first Test. He has not fully recovered and we don't want to take a chance, especially with weather like this, slippery outfield and things like that," Shastri told reporters.

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In his absence, Dhawan is set to open the innings with the 23-year-old Rahul, who has played only two Tests.

"It's a big blow," Shastri said of the injury to Vijay, who averages 41.75 after 32 Tests and is one of India's most consistent batsmen in recent times.

"He is the in-form player, had a fabulous run in Test cricket. He has the ability to play the long innings as he has shown. He will be missed."

Shastri was coy about the chances of Cheteshwar Puajra, once considered an automatic selection at number three before a slump in form set in.

"We will have to play the best five batsmen. If he (Pujara) fits into that five, he plays; if he doesn't, he doesn't play," the former India all-rounder said.

Vijay did not bat in the warm-up tour match against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI in Colombo.

The first match of the three-Test series commences in Galle on August 12.