IND vs SL: Sai Sudharsan To Miss Sri Lanka Test Series? Latest Report Reveals Key Update

India’s young batter Sai Sudharsan has been named in the squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, but he was not with the rest of the Indian team when they flew out on Tuesday.

Where is Sai Sudharsan?

The left-handed batter is currently at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he is recovering from a minor injury to his big toe. According to a Cricbuzz report, Sudharsan is expected to travel to Colombo on Saturday, provided he gets clearance from the medical staff.

His delayed arrival means he will miss India’s three-day practice game against a Sri Lanka XI, which begins on Friday. However, there is growing confidence that he will be fully fit before the first Test starts in Galle on August 15.

Sudharsan has already resumed batting during his rehabilitation, and the medical team is closely monitoring his progress. If everything goes according to plan, he is expected to join the squad over the weekend.

The 24-year-old has made a strong impression since making his Test debut against England last year. In seven Tests, he has scored 383 runs and has quickly become one of India’s most promising young batters. He also scored 81 while batting at No. 3 in the one-off Test against Afghanistan earlier this year.

His recent form in Sri Lanka has been equally impressive. Playing for India A, Sudharsan scored 132 in the first unofficial Test before following it up with 168 in the second match in Galle. Those performances have strengthened his case to bat at No. 3 in the upcoming Test series.

For now, though, India are waiting for the final fitness clearance. If Sudharsan is declared fit, he is expected to slot straight into the playing XI. If not, Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal is likely to be considered as his replacement at No. 3.

All eyes are now on whether Sudharsan boards the flight to Colombo this weekend, with his fitness set to determine India’s batting combination for the opening Test.