India have called up Sarfaraz Khan as the replacement for injured batter Sai Sudharsan ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The Mumbai batter returns to the Test squad after nearly two years away from international red-ball cricket.

India have added Sarfaraz Khan to their Test squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out with a right toe stress reaction.

The BCCI confirmed Sarfaraz’s inclusion as Sudharsan’s replacement, providing India with an experienced middle-order option ahead of the first Test in Galle on August 15.

Sudharsan has been recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. According to the BCCI, the left-hander has made significant progress in his recovery, but he will not be fit in time for the two-match series.

Sarfaraz Returns to India’s Test Setup

Sarfaraz’s recall marks his return to India’s Test squad after a lengthy absence.

The 28-year-old last represented India in a Test in 2024, the same year he made his international debut.

He has played six Tests so far, accumulating 371 runs at the highest level. His record includes one century and three half-centuries.

Despite making a promising start to his Test career, Sarfaraz was unable to establish himself as a regular in India’s middle order.

He was part of India’s squad for the 2024-25 tour of Australia but did not feature in a Test. He was subsequently left out of the squad for India’s tour of England last year.

Strong Domestic Record Keeps Sarfaraz in Contention

Sarfaraz’s return has been built largely on his exceptional record in first-class cricket.

The Mumbai batter finished as his team’s third-highest run-scorer during the 2025 Ranji Trophy season, scoring 429 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 53.62.

His overall first-class record remains even more impressive.

Sarfaraz averages 64.73 in first-class cricket, placing him among the most prolific batters in the format among players with at least 50 innings.

That consistency has kept him firmly in the selectors’ plans despite his prolonged absence from international cricket.

India Suffer Another Batting Setback

Sarfaraz’s recall comes after Sudharsan became the latest Indian player to suffer an injury setback.

Sudharsan had initially been selected for the Sri Lanka series subject to fitness clearance after sustaining a toe injury following India’s A tour of Sri Lanka.

He had impressed during that tour, producing scores of 132, 7 not out, 168 and 25.

His performances had strengthened his case for a Test debut, but the toe stress reaction prevented him from completing his recovery in time.

With Sudharsan unavailable, India needed another specialist batter capable of providing depth in the middle order.

Sarfaraz’s experience and outstanding first-class numbers made him a natural replacement.

Also Read-Sai Sudharsan Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Tests

Padikkal Also in Contention

India have another promising option in Devdutt Padikkal.

Padikkal recently scored a brisk century at No. 3 during India’s three-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI.

That performance has strengthened his case for a place in the playing XI, particularly with Sudharsan unavailable.

The selectors and team management now have several options to consider for the middle-order positions, with Sarfaraz’s inclusion adding further competition.

India’s Squad Faces Several Challenges

India’s preparations for the Sri Lanka series have been complicated by a number of injuries and unavailability concerns.

Jasprit Bumrah has already been ruled out and replaced by Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi.

Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep are also unavailable, while Washington Sundar will miss at least the opening Test.

Captain Shubman Gill has additionally been dealing with a finger injury after hurting his right ring finger during training in Colombo.

India will therefore enter the series with a squad significantly different from the one initially planned.

Sarfaraz Could Get Another Opportunity

The Sri Lanka series could provide Sarfaraz with an important opportunity to revive his international career.

His performances in domestic cricket have consistently demonstrated his ability to score heavily in red-ball cricket, while his previous Test experience means he will not be completely new to international conditions.

Sri Lankan pitches could also offer opportunities for a batter who is comfortable playing spin, an important skill given India’s likely encounters with the hosts’ slow bowlers.

However, earning a place in the final XI will not be straightforward.

India have KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja among their established batting options, while Padikkal is also pushing strongly for selection.

India’s Updated Test Squad

India’s 15-member squad for the Sri Lanka Tests is now:

• Shubman Gill (captain)
• KL Rahul
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
• Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper)
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Manav Suthar
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna
• Gurnoor Brar
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Saransh Jain
• Auqib Nabi
• Sarfaraz Khan

Sri Lanka Tests a Chance for Sarfaraz to Make His Mark

Sarfaraz Khan’s return provides India with an experienced and statistically impressive option at a time when the squad is dealing with multiple injury concerns.

His first-class numbers underline his ability to score consistently, but the next challenge will be translating that domestic success into sustained performances at Test level.

With the first Test beginning in Galle on August 15 and the second scheduled for August 23 in Colombo, Sarfaraz could have an important role to play if India opt for an additional middle-order batter.

For now, his recall represents another opportunity for a player who has continued to produce runs whenever he has returned to domestic cricket.