Who can replace Sai Sudharsan as India player ruled out of Sri Lanka Test Series?

Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka due to a right toe injury. The left-handed top-order batter sustained the injury (described as involving a stress reaction or metatarsal pain in the big toe) during the India A tour of Sri Lanka last month.

He had been in excellent form, scoring centuries in both unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A before being affected in the second game.

Sudharsan stayed behind at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation while the rest of the squad, led by Shubman Gill, travelled to Sri Lanka. He resumed batting and conditioning work but did not regain full fitness in time. The medical/sports science team advised more time for biological healing, noting significant improvement that was still insufficient for a safe return to Test cricket. A cautious approach aims to avoid recurrence and protect long-term performance.

He missed India’s warm-up match and has been confirmed out of the first Test (starting 15 August in Galle). Availability for the second Test (23-27 August in Colombo) is also in serious doubt or ruled out according to reports. In his absence, Devdutt Padikkal is expected to bat at No. 3. This adds to India’s injury concerns for the series.

Who can replace Sai Sudharsan in Sri Lanka Series?

As per the squad spot is concerned, there are a few names who can replace Sudharsan for the upcoming two-match Test series.

Narayan Jagadeesan

Tamil Nadu batter Narayan Jagadeesan’s name is circling, who had a stellar domestic season and was also part of India’s squad in the England series last year. He was also called up for the West Indies series, but is yet to make his debut.

Abhimanyu Easwaran

After years of excellent domestic outings, Abhimanyu Easwaran has seen his elusive Test debut out of reach so far. Although the Bengal player remains down in the pecking order, he can be included in place of Sudharsan for the series, but getting a place in the Playing XI seems tough for now.