NewsIndia

By Ishaan Kapoor — 8 August 2026 — 5 min read

Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of India‘s upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle. The left-handed batter is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for a foot niggle. Despite initial optimism from the management regarding his availability, it is now considered highly unlikely that he will receive the necessary clearances for the crucial fixtures.

Sudharsan’s absence creates a significant void, particularly at the No. 3 batting position. He had emerged as India‘s preferred option in this role since his Test debut, though he was yet to firmly establish himself as a long-term fixture. This development provides an opportunity for the team management to reassess the batting order ahead of the series.

Potential Replacements Emerge

With Sudharsan sidelined, Shaik Rasheed and Sarfaraz Khan have emerged as frontrunners to be drafted into the squad as replacements. Reports indicate that Sarfaraz Khan has already been at the CoE for over a week for his fitness assessment. Shaik Rasheed has also been asked to report to the Bengaluru facility.

Rasheed recently toured Sri Lanka with the India A team, contributing scores of 45, 63, and 20 in three innings. His progress has been consistently monitored, and feedback from coaches at the CoE has been positive for the 21-year-old. He was also slated to participate in a specialist batter camp at the CoE in the coming weeks, alongside players like R Smaran and Aman Mokhade.

Sarfaraz Khan, a batter from Mumbai, is known for his proficiency against spin. He has reportedly focused on his fitness and possesses experience in international cricket, which could aid his integration into the team setup. However, it would not be surprising if Rasheed receives the call-up, given the consistent tracking of his development.

Another player in contention is Ruturaj Gaikwad, though his selection might be considered a wild card given his recent performances for India A have not been particularly impactful.

India’s Growing Injury Concerns

Sudharsan’s injury is the latest in a series of setbacks for India ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. The team’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, is also a high-profile absentee, having sustained an injury during an ODI series against England. His absence removes significant experience and firepower from the bowling attack.

Additionally, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar have all been ruled out of the series due to injuries. This growing list of unavailable players has prompted selectors and team management to delve deeper into their available resources as they prepare for the Test matches.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously flagged uncertainty regarding Sudharsan’s availability when the squad was announced, stating that his selection was contingent on fitness clearance from the CoE. He has now been officially ruled out of the series.

These injury concerns leave India with several questions, particularly concerning the batting order and overall team balance. The two-Test series holds considerable importance for World Test Championship standings, with India currently in fifth place and Sri Lanka in sixth. The series presents a crucial opportunity for both teams to strengthen their positions in the race for the 2027 final.

The situation will test India‘s squad depth as they aim to secure valuable WTC points. An official announcement from the Indian cricket board is awaited to confirm the replacement for Sai Sudharsan.

Devdutt Padikkal’s Case for Selection

Amidst the injury woes, Devdutt Padikkal has strengthened his case for a spot in the batting lineup. He recently scored a century in an ongoing warm-up game, delivering a calm and controlled performance on the second day. This innings could put him in contention for the No. 3 position, offering the management a potential solution.

The team management is reportedly concerned about the lack of specialist batters and has communicated this need to the selectors. While selectors were keen to try out more specialist batters, opportunities were limited as Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, and Dhruv Jurel featured in the two India A fixtures. The final decision on the batting combination will depend on the team’s strategy for the first Test.

The medical team monitoring Sudharsan’s rehabilitation has advised more time for biological healing, noting significant improvement but not yet sufficient for a safe return to Test cricket. This cautious approach aims to reduce the risk of recurrence or further complications and protect his long-term performance.

The absence of several key players means the Sri Lanka series will be a significant test of India‘s resilience and depth as they pursue their goal of reaching the 2027 World Test Championship final.

The selectors were keen to try out more specialist batters but could not because Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel featured in the two India A fixtures.

It is understood that Sarfaraz has been advised by some key figures to bat higher up the order in the domestic circuit as he remains in the selectors’ scheme of things. The Mumbai batter is a quality player of spin, has worked hard on his fitness and has had enough experience of international cricket to ease into the set-up. But as things stand, it would not be a surprise if Rasheed gets the nod, as his progress has been constantly tracked and the feedback from the coaches at the CoE has been very good for the 21-year-old. An official word from the Indian cricket board is awaited, which will clarify the replacement.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is also in the fray and could be a wild selection call as he hasn’t really set the stage on fire with his outings for India A.

The situation leaves India with several questions to answer before the opening Test, particularly around the batting order and the balance of the side. Padikkal‘s century in the warm-up has given him an opportunity to make a case, but the final decision will depend on the combination India want to take into the first Test.

With several players unavailable, the Sri Lanka series could prove an important test of India‘s depth as they look to collect valuable WTC points and keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 final on track. The two-Test series carries considerable importance in the World Test Championship standings.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com