India’s Test preparations suffer another setback with Sai Sudharsan reportedly unavailable for the two-match series beginning August 15
New Delhi: India’s preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka have suffered another setback, with left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan reportedly ruled out of the series due to an injury, according to a BCCI source quoted by ANI.
Sudharsan had been undergoing rehabilitation at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru and had progressed to batting and fielding drills. However, he was reportedly unlikely to regain full fitness in time for the opening Test, scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15.
The development adds to a growing list of fitness concerns surrounding the Indian squad ahead of an important assignment in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Sudharsan also did not travel with the Indian team to Sri Lanka and subsequently missed the ongoing three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, which began on August 8.
His absence could leave India with one fewer option in the batting department as the team prepares for a challenging Test series away from home.
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Sai Sudharsan Undergoing Rehabilitation at Bengaluru Centre
According to the information provided by the BCCI source, Sai Sudharsan had been working on his recovery at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The batter had progressed to batting and fielding drills, suggesting that his rehabilitation had reached an active stage. However, the available recovery window was not considered sufficient for Sai Sudharsan to reach full match fitness before the first Test in Galle.
The BCCI source reportedly confirmed that Sai Sudharsan had been ruled out of the two-match series.
His failure to travel with the squad further indicated that Sai Sudharsan would not be available for the Sri Lanka assignment.
For India, Sai Sudharsan’s absence is significant because the series comes at an important stage of the World Test Championship campaign. The team is attempting to build momentum after a mixed run of results and will need sufficient batting depth to deal with the demands of Test cricket in Sri Lankan conditions.
Shubman Gill Injury Adds to India’s Concerns
India’s injury problems do not end with Sai Sudharsan.
Captain Shubman Gill also sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during a practice session ahead of the first Test.
The injury occurred during India’s preparations in Sri Lanka, prompting the BCCI medical team to monitor Gill’s condition.
As a precautionary measure, Gill was kept out of the first day of India’s three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo.
With the captain unavailable for the opening day of the practice game, KL Rahul took charge of the side.
The BCCI confirmed the development through an update on social media, stating that Gill had suffered an impact injury during Thursday’s practice session and would not participate on Day 1 of the warm-up match.
The medical team was expected to continue monitoring his progress before India make decisions regarding his availability for the Test series.
Gill’s fitness will be closely watched because he is not only the captain but also one of the central figures in India’s batting plans.
Jasprit Bumrah Already Ruled Out
India are also without experienced fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out of the Sri Lanka series after failing to fully recover from a left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.
Bumrah’s absence removes one of India’s most experienced and influential fast-bowling options.
The Men’s Selection Committee has responded by including Auqib Nabi in the squad as Bumrah’s replacement.
For Nabi, the call-up represents a major opportunity to step into the national setup and potentially make his Test debut.
His inclusion also highlights the importance of domestic performances as India look to maintain depth within their pace-bowling group.
Without Bumrah, greater responsibility could fall on the shoulders of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and the other available pace options.
Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy Also Unavailable
India’s injury list has continued to grow, with Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy also sidelined.
Rana is reportedly dealing with a hamstring injury, while Reddy has been ruled out because of a quadriceps problem.
Both players were part of India’s wider Test plans, making their absence another challenge for the team management.
The combination of injuries means India will have fewer established options to rotate during the series.
Test cricket places significant physical demands on players, particularly in a two-match away series where bowlers may be required to deliver long spells and batters could spend extended periods at the crease.
Managing workloads will therefore become an important part of India’s preparation.
Washington Sundar Ruled Out of Opening Test
All-rounder Washington Sundar is another player unavailable for the opening Test after suffering a hamstring issue.
Sundar’s absence affects India’s balance because of his ability to contribute in both departments.
His all-round skills can provide teams with additional flexibility when selecting their playing XI, particularly in Test cricket where five-day matches require careful management of bowling resources.
The injury means India may have to reconsider their combination for the Galle Test and decide how much batting depth and spin-bowling strength they want in the side.
Akash Deep Continues Recovery
Fast bowler Akash Deep also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from stress reactions in his back.
His absence further reduces India’s pace-bowling options ahead of the first Test.
With Bumrah unavailable and Akash Deep still recovering, the responsibility on the remaining fast bowlers is likely to increase.
The situation could also provide opportunities for younger members of the squad to establish themselves at international level.
India’s Batting Combination Faces Fresh Questions
Sudharsan’s reported absence creates another selection question for India.
The left-handed batter had been part of the squad but will now miss the series, leaving the team management with fewer options as it finalises its batting order.
At the same time, Gill’s fitness remains under observation.
If the captain is available for the opening Test, India will still have experienced batters such as KL Rahul alongside a number of younger players. However, any further injury setback could force the team to make additional changes.
The warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI provides an important opportunity for the available players to gain match practice and for the coaching staff to assess possible combinations.
KL Rahul Provides Leadership Cover
With Gill missing the first day of the warm-up game, KL Rahul assumed leadership responsibilities.
Rahul’s experience could prove valuable as India deal with a number of fitness-related challenges.
His ability to contribute with the bat while also providing seniority within the squad gives India an important option during a period of transition.
The team management will nevertheless hope that Gill recovers sufficiently to take charge when the first Test begins in Galle on August 15.
Sri Lanka Series Important for World Test Championship Campaign
The two-Test series against Sri Lanka forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, giving the matches importance beyond the bilateral contest.
India currently sit fifth in the World Test Championship standings, with four wins and four defeats from nine matches and a points percentage of 48.150, according to the information provided.
That position leaves India with ground to make up if they want to challenge for a place in the final.
Winning in Sri Lanka would therefore provide valuable points and could help India improve their position in the standings.
However, the injuries affecting the squad could make the assignment more challenging than initially expected.
Opportunity for New Faces
While injuries have disrupted India’s preparations, they also create opportunities for players waiting for their chance.
Auqib Nabi’s inclusion following Bumrah’s absence is one such example.
Other members of the squad could also find themselves taking on greater responsibility if the injury concerns continue.
For young players, an away Test series can provide an important opportunity to establish themselves.
The challenge will be particularly demanding in Sri Lanka, where conditions can test both batting technique and bowling adaptability.
India’s Immediate Priority: Fitness and Balance
With the opening Test approaching, India’s immediate priority will be to determine which players are fully fit and establish the most balanced combination possible.
Sudharsan’s reported absence is already confirmed by the cited BCCI source, while Gill remains under medical observation.
At the same time, the absence of Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep has reduced India’s available resources.
The medical team and coaching staff will therefore play an important role in determining the final playing combination.
India will need to balance experience with emerging talent while ensuring that the bowling attack has enough depth to handle the workload of Test cricket.
A Challenging Start to India’s Sri Lanka Campaign
The Sri Lanka series was already expected to be an important assignment for India as they continue their World Test Championship campaign.
The latest injury developments have added another layer of uncertainty.
Sudharsan’s reported withdrawal removes a promising batting option, while Gill’s finger injury has created concern around the captain’s availability.
The absence of several bowlers and all-rounders further complicates the selection process.
India will now hope that Gill makes a full recovery and that the remaining players can stay fit through the series.
The opening Test in Galle on August 15 will provide the first major test of how effectively India can adapt to these setbacks.
For the team management, the challenge will be to turn a difficult injury situation into an opportunity for the wider squad.
With important World Test Championship points at stake, India will need contributions from both experienced campaigners and the players stepping into bigger roles.
The coming days will determine the final combination, but one thing is already clear: India’s Sri Lanka tour has become significantly more complicated before the first Test has even begun.
