Colombo : India have suffered another setback ahead of their two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with talented top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan ruled out after failing to recover sufficiently from a big toe injury sustained during the India A tour of Sri Lanka.
Sudharsan had been in impressive form during the India A series, scoring two centuries in two Test matches. However, he was struck on the toe during the second match against Sri Lanka A and has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. (The Indian Express)
Doctors Advise More Time for Recovery
The Sports Science team monitoring Sudharsan’s rehabilitation has advised against rushing him back into Test cricket.
The medical assessment indicates that while there has been significant improvement, the injury has not healed sufficiently to allow a safe return. The team has recommended a gradual increase in rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and cricket-specific workloads to reduce the risk of recurrence or further complications.
The update has been communicated to the Indian team management and the national selection committee. (The Times of India)
Devdutt Padikkal Likely to Take No. 3 Spot
With Sudharsan unavailable, Devdutt Padikkal is expected to move into the No. 3 batting position. Padikkal strengthened his case by scoring a century in India’s practice match ahead of the Test series.
His elevation provides India with a left-handed option in the middle of the top order and gives him an opportunity to establish himself in the Test side.
Selection Battle for Squad Replacement
The selectors will also have to decide whether another batter should be added to the squad to cover Sudharsan’s absence.
Sarfaraz Khan is among the experienced options, while reports have also identified Shaik Rasheed as a potential contender. (Hindustan Times)
Sudharsan’s absence is particularly disappointing given his recent red-ball form and the confidence he had built with consecutive centuries for India A.
Another Injury Blow for India
Sudharsan’s unavailability adds to India’s growing injury concerns ahead of the Sri Lanka Tests. The team is already dealing with several fitness-related absences, making squad depth increasingly important before the series begins. (The Times of India)
For India, the priority will now be to ensure Sudharsan makes a complete recovery rather than rushing him back, while the team management prepares for the Sri Lanka series without one of its emerging top-order batters.
Source: Reports from the Indian team’s Sports Science/medical update and contemporary coverage by Indian media.
