India have suffered another major setback ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with top-order batter Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the entire series after failing to recover sufficiently from a toe injury.
The development was confirmed on Saturday, August 8, with India’s medical team deciding that Sudharsan needs additional time for recovery before returning to Test cricket.
Sudharsan Needs More Time to Recover
Sudharsan sustained the injury during India’s A tour of Sri Lanka last month. He was struck on his big toe during the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A and subsequently underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Although his recovery has shown significant improvement, the medical team has advised against an immediate return to competitive Test cricket.
The Sports Science team said the injury has improved but has not healed sufficiently for a safe return, with doctors recommending additional biological healing time.
Major Blow to India’s No. 3 Position
Sudharsan’s absence creates a significant selection problem for India because he had been expected to occupy the important No. 3 batting position.
The left-handed batter had also been in excellent form during the India A tour, scoring two centuries in two unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A.
His withdrawal means India’s team management will have to reassess the top-order combination before the opening Test.
Devdutt Padikkal Emerges as a Strong Option
The timing of Sudharsan’s injury is particularly significant because Devdutt Padikkal scored a century against Sri Lanka XI in India’s warm-up match.
Padikkal’s performance has strengthened his case for a place in the Test XI and could make him the leading option to take over the No. 3 position.
Other players, including Sarfaraz Khan and Shaik Rasheed, are also being discussed as possible options for the vacant spot in India’s Test setup.
India Already Facing Injury Concerns
Sudharsan’s absence adds to India’s growing injury concerns ahead of the Sri Lanka series.
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is also unavailable for the series, while captain Shubman Gill has been dealing with a minor injury and is being monitored by the team management.
Gill is nevertheless expected to remain on track for the opening Test, with the team taking precautions during the warm-up match.
Medical Team Takes Cautious Approach
India’s medical staff have recommended that Sudharsan gradually increase his rehabilitation, strength and conditioning work before progressing to cricket-specific training.
The cautious approach is intended to reduce the risk of the injury returning or developing further complications.
For Sudharsan, the priority will now be completing his rehabilitation and returning to full fitness rather than rushing back for the Sri Lanka series.
India Prepare for Sri Lanka Tests
India are scheduled to play two Tests against Sri Lanka, with the opening match in Galle followed by the second Test in Colombo.
The series will be an important opportunity for India’s Test team to build momentum, but Sudharsan’s absence leaves the management with an important decision to make regarding the middle of the top order.
Looking Ahead
Sai Sudharsan’s absence is a significant blow for India, particularly after his impressive performances for India A.
However, Devdutt Padikkal’s recent century has provided the team with an encouraging alternative. The final decision on India’s No. 3 position will be closely watched when the playing XI for the first Test is announced.
Source: BCCI medical update, Sports Science team, PTI and reports published on August 8, 2026.
Original Report: Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of India’s two-Test Sri Lanka series after failing to recover sufficiently from a big-toe injury suffered during the India A tour.
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