India’s top-order batter Sai Sudharsan is ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka after failing to fully recover from an injury. Multiple outlets report that the decision follows medical advice indicating he needs additional time for healing before returning to Test cricket.
The injury is described as a foot problem, specifically linked to a big toe/toe injury sustained during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka last month. The player has been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, with updates noting improvement but not enough recovery for a safe return. Sports science monitoring is cited, along with guidance for gradual increases in rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and cricket-specific loads.
In Sudharsan’s absence, reports say Sarfaraz Khan is selected as his replacement in India’s Test squad. One outlet also notes that Devdutt Padikkal is expected to move to the number three batting spot, while ESPN Cricinfo frames the development as another setback for India after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out earlier in the series.