Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of India’s upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka after failing to recover fully from a foot injury, according to reports. The batter was initially included in the squad subject to fitness clearance but is now unlikely to feature in either Test.
Sudharsan had been considered a strong option for India’s No. 3 position. However, his ongoing recovery has ruled him out of the Sri Lanka tour. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15, while the second Test will be played in Colombo from August 23.
Sudharsan misses Sri Lanka Tests due to injury
According to a BCCI source cited by ANI, Sudharsan has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He took part in batting and fielding drills but has not recovered sufficiently to play the opening Test.
“Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of India’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to an injury,” the source said.
Sudharsan did not travel with the Indian squad to Sri Lanka on August 4. He was initially expected to join the team in Colombo on Saturday, but reports now indicate that he will miss the entire Test series.
The BCCI selectors are expected to name his replacement in the coming days.
Devdutt Padikkal could replace Sudharsan
With Sudharsan unavailable, Devdutt Padikkal could be considered for the No. 3 role. Padikkal strengthened his case after scoring a century in India’s three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI in Colombo.
The left-handed batter could now get an opportunity in the Test series as India deal with several injury concerns.
India face multiple injury concerns
Sudharsan is not the only Indian player facing fitness issues ahead of the Sri Lanka Tests. India captain Shubman Gill also missed the ongoing warm-up match after suffering a finger injury during practice.
India have also been without several key players due to injuries, with Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar among those reportedly unavailable.
Sudharsan last played for India in the one-off Test against Afghanistan. He has featured in seven Tests so far and has scored 383 runs, including three half-centuries.
India will now have to finalise their batting combination before the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on August 15.
