Sai Sudharsan Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Tests
India have suffered another injury setback ahead of their two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan ruled out after failing to recover sufficiently from a toe injury sustained during the recent India A tour.
Sai Sudharsan Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Tests
Sudharsan suffered the injury after being struck on the toe during the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A last month.
The 24-year-old has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Although his recovery has shown significant improvement, medical specialists have advised that he needs additional time before returning safely to Test cricket.
His rehabilitation programme will continue with a gradual increase in strength, conditioning and cricket-specific workloads to minimise the risk of aggravating the injury.
Sudharsan Injury Comes After Strong India A Form
The setback comes after Sudharsan produced impressive performances during the India A tour, scoring centuries in both unofficial Test matches against Sri Lanka A.
His form had strengthened his chances of retaining the crucial No. 3 position in India’s Test batting order.
Devdutt Padikkal could now emerge as a leading contender for the role after scoring 103 from 121 deliveries in India’s warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI.
India Face Growing Injury Concerns
Sudharsan joins a growing list of unavailable Indian players ahead of the Sri Lanka Tests.
Jasprit Bumrah has already been ruled out with a left knee injury, while Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also unavailable because of hamstring and quadriceps injuries respectively.
Selectors must now decide whether to name a replacement for Sudharsan, with Sarfaraz Khan among the batting options under consideration.
The two-match Test series represents another important assignment for India in the World Test Championship cycle.
