NEW DELHI: With India entering a critical phase in their bid to stay alive in the World Test Championship (WTC) race, Jasprit Bumrah and: Shubman Gill taking a cautious approach to regain full fitness ahead of the two-Test series in Sri Lanka starting August 15.TOI has learned that Bumrah will begin to gradually increase his bowling workload after suffering an impact injury in the ODI series in England, while Gill has sought the help of outside specialists. BCCI: for his chronic neck problem.It was learned that Bumrah’s knee was swollen before the final ODI at Lord’s on June 19, but the medical team is confident that he will be ready for the first Test in Galle. The selectors picked him for the Sri Lanka tour subject to fitness. The focus now is to prepare him to endure the rigors of Test cricket.Bumrah has played little longer format cricket since the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati in Nov. He has featured only in T20 cricket, apart from two ODIs in England last month. Bumrah is currently at the Center of Excellence (CoE).“Bumrah will start bowling this week and his workload will gradually increase. He will have to get used to bowling longer spells again. The CoE medical team will closely monitor him, and initial reports are that he should be fine to start the first Test. These two Test matches are very important for India. Top form for the series,” a BCCI source told TOI.As for Gill, it was learned that he has consulted with specialists to address the neck pain that first broke out during his first innings in the opening Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens. The problem eventually ruled him out of the rest of the series, in which India lost 0-2. He also missed playing IPL due to recurring pain.“Gill has been battling neck pain for a long time. It flares up from time to time, especially when he bats for a longer period. He consulted specialists outside the BCCI for treatment and he is better now. It is an ongoing process. India felt his absence in the South Africa series. That is why he is careful to address the recurring issue,” the source said.Sudharsan is set to resume batting next weekSai Sudharsan, the No. 3 Indian batter in Tests, also selected subject to fitness. He is recovering from a hamstring injury and will continue to bowl in the CoE next week. The BCCI medical team shared a positive report about his availability for the first Test.