India have suffered another major setback ahead of their two-Test series in Sri Lanka, with batter Sai Sudharsan ruled out after failing to recover from a toe stress fracture.
India’s injury problems have deepened ahead of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, with Sai Sudharsan ruled out because of a toe stress fracture.
Sudharsan had initially been included in India’s 15-member squad for the two-Test tour, but his selection, along with Jasprit Bumrah’s, was subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE).
While Bumrah was ruled out last week and replaced by Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi, Sudharsan’s latest setback leaves India without another important batting option ahead of the first Test in Galle.
Sudharsan Failed to Recover in Time
Sudharsan returned from India’s recent A tour of Sri Lanka in impressive form, producing four significant performances in first-class cricket.
The left-handed batter scored 132, remained unbeaten on 7, followed that with an outstanding 168, and finished with 25 in his final innings.
However, he subsequently suffered a toe stress fracture and immediately reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for rehabilitation.
When the selectors initially picked him for the Test squad, the expectation was that he would recover in time for the opening Test on August 15.
That recovery did not progress quickly enough.
Although Sudharsan was improving, he was still unable to sprint at full pace, making it impossible for him to receive the required fitness clearance.
He also did not travel to Sri Lanka with the rest of the squad.
India’s Injury List Continues to Grow
Sudharsan’s withdrawal adds to an already lengthy list of unavailable players.
India will begin the Sri Lanka series without several established options, including Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep.
Washington Sundar is also unavailable for at least the first Test, further reducing India’s options.
The absence of so many players could force the team management to make significant changes to its preferred combination, particularly in the batting and bowling departments.
The situation has become even more complicated because captain Shubman Gill is also dealing with an injury concern.
Shubman Gill Under Injury Cloud
Gill suffered an injury to his right ring finger during a training session in Colombo.
As a result, the India captain missed the ongoing three-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI.
His availability for the first Test remains an important concern for the Indian team.
With Sudharsan already ruled out, another potential absence for Gill would leave India facing a major selection dilemma ahead of the Galle Test.
The management will be hoping that Gill makes a timely recovery and is available to lead the side when the Test series begins.
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Padikkal Provides India With a Solution
There was, however, one positive development for India during the warm-up match.
Devdutt Padikkal produced an impressive century while batting at No. 3, immediately putting himself in contention for the position that was expected to be occupied by Sudharsan.
His attacking hundred could not have come at a better time for the Indian team.
Padikkal’s performance provides the selectors with a ready-made option should they decide to promote him into the middle order for the opening Test.
His ability to bat in the top order and experience in different formats could prove valuable in Sri Lankan conditions.
Auqib Nabi Already Replaces Bumrah
India had already been forced to make one significant change to their squad when Bumrah was ruled out because of his ongoing knee issue.
Auqib Nabi was subsequently called up as his replacement.
The 29-year-old seamer enters the squad after an outstanding domestic season in which he played a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
Nabi took 60 wickets during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season and also impressed during India A’s recent tour of Sri Lanka.
If selected for the playing XI, he could become the first Test cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir.
Test Series Begins in Galle
The two-match Test series is scheduled to begin on August 15 at Galle.
The second Test will follow from August 23 at the SSC in Colombo.
The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, making the matches particularly important for both teams.
India currently occupy fifth place in the WTC standings after recording four wins and four defeats from nine matches.
With points at stake, India will be desperate to start the Sri Lanka tour strongly despite their growing injury concerns.
India’s Updated Test Squad
With Sudharsan and Bumrah unavailable, India’s current squad consists of:
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- KL Rahul (vice-captain)
- 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
A replacement for Sudharsan has not yet been announced.
A Tough Selection Challenge Awaits India
Sai Sudharsan’s absence is another unwanted complication for India’s Test campaign in Sri Lanka.
The batter had impressed during the India A tour and appeared to be building momentum in red-ball cricket. His toe injury has now interrupted that progress at a crucial moment.
India still possess considerable batting depth through KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, while Padikkal’s century has provided the team with some encouragement.
However, the combination of injuries to key players means India’s final XI for Galle could look very different from the side originally planned.
For Sudharsan, the immediate priority will be completing his recovery without rushing back. For India, meanwhile, the challenge is to adapt quickly and find the right combination before the first Test begins on August 15.