New Delhi: India’s talented top-order batter Sai Sudarshan has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka due to a toe injury. He suffered the injury during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka last month, which had already raised doubts over his availability for the first Test. However, as he has failed to make a complete recovery, he has now been ruled out of the entire series.
Sudarshan travelled to Sri Lanka with the India A team in July and sustained the toe injury during the second match against Sri Lanka A. Since then, he has been undergoing treatment at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, he has still not fully recovered, and doctors have advised him to take further rest. The BCCI’s Sports Science team has informed the Test team management as well as the national selectors about Sudarshan’s condition.
Devdutt Padikkal to Replace Sudarshan
Devdutt Padikkal struck a century (103 retired out) in Saturday’s practice match against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI. In Sudarshan’s absence, Padikkal is expected to bat at No. 3 in the first Test, which begins on August 15, after the two openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul.
Sarfaraz Gets a Chance, But There Are Doubts
According to a PTI report, Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan, who has played six Tests for India, could be included in the Test squad as Sudarshan’s replacement. However, it is learnt that a key member of the coaching staff as well as the selection committee is not completely convinced about Sarfaraz’s credentials.
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