Due to his inability to recuperate from a toe injury, star Indian batsman Sai Sudharsan will not play in India’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. This will remove a certain starter from the top order ahead of the first Test in Galle on August 15.
The 24-year-old hitter from Tamil Nadu was included in the 15-man roster that was revealed on July 28, but his spot was contingent upon clearing a fitness evaluation. According to reports citing a BCCI source, he did not travel with the rest of the team when India left for Sri Lanka on August 4 and is presently finishing his recovery at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Within the next few days, the selectors are anticipated to announce Sudharsan’s successor.
How did Sudharsan become hurt?
When Sudharsan was forced to retire due to injury during the second unofficial Test between India A and Sri Lanka A in Galle in June–July 2026, the toe issue initially surfaced. He was kept in the senior squad by the selectors in spite of that setback, but his availability was subject to a pre-series fitness clearance.
His participation in the series came to an end when that clearance was denied. Sudharsan had reached 81 in the opening innings of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June 2026 and scored hundreds in the opening innings of every India match when he appeared at the selection table. a match against Sri Lanka A at Galle in June and July of 2026, and Gujarat Titans finished the 2026 IPL with over 700 runs.
Before the injury prevented him from playing, he was confirmed as India’s No. 3 for both Tests.
Who is most likely to rank third for India?
In Sudharsan’s absence, Devdutt Padikkal is anticipated to rise to No. 3. Padikkal scored 103 from 121 balls on Day 2 of the tour match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, making a compelling case for himself.
At the top of the rankings, India is also keeping an eye on a different fitness issue. Prior to the first Test, captain Shubman Gill injured his right ring finger during a practice session. KL Rahul took over as captain for the warm-up match while Gill was sidelined. Gill’s availability on August 15 has not yet been verified.
