India lose Sai Sudharsan to injury ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series, with Sarfaraz Khan called up as his replacement before the Galle opener.
India’s preparations for the upcoming India Sri Lanka Test series have suffered another setback after batter Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the two-match contest with a toe injury.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Sunday, August 9, that Sudharsan will miss both Tests after failing to recover sufficiently from a stress reaction in his right toe.
Sarfaraz Khan has been called into the squad as his replacement and is expected to join the Indian team before the opening Test in Galle on August 15.
The development marks India’s second major injury-related squad change before the series.
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah had already been ruled out after failing to fully recover from a left knee injury suffered during India’s ODI series against England. Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi replaced him in the squad.
Sudharsan Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Tests
Sudharsan has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Although the BCCI says he has made significant progress, the medical team determined that he would not recover in time for the Sri Lanka Tests.
His absence could also affect India’s plans at No. 3.
Devdutt Padikkal has strengthened his case for the position after scoring a century in India’s warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Cricbuzz reports that Padikkal is now the front-runner following Sudharsan’s withdrawal.
India did receive some positive news during the warm-up fixture, with captain Shubman Gill returning to bat after earlier fitness concerns. India went on to defeat Sri Lanka Cricket XI by six wickets.
First Test Begins in Galle
The first Test begins in Galle on August 15, with the second Test scheduled to start in Colombo on August 23.
India still possess significant depth, but losing both Sudharsan and Bumrah has disrupted their preparations in the final days before the series.
