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India's National Cricket Team batter Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to the injury he suffered before the team departed for the island nation. The left-handed batter had been dealing with a toe injury and had stayed back at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation, with hopes of joining the squad before the first Test.
However, the latest update has brought a major setback for India, with Sports Tak journalist Nitin K Srivastav reporting that Sai Sudharsan will miss the entire Test series against Sri Lanka. His absence could force the Indian team management to rethink its plans for the No. 3 position, with Devdutt Padikkal now emerging as a strong option in the playing XI.
Sai Sudharsan ruled out of India vs Sri Lanka Test series
According to the latest report, Sudharsan has been ruled out of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka because of his injury. The 24-year-old was expected to be an important part of India's middle order after making a strong impression in Test cricket, but his unavailability leaves India with another selection concern ahead of the opening Test in Galle, starting August 15.
Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the test series vs Sri Lanka due to his injury
— Nitin K Srivastav (@Nitin_sachin) August 8, 2026
Previously, it was reported that Sudharsan would be joining the side on August 8. He was doing his final rehab for a minor niggle. Though it is now the Southpaw is unavailable for the forthcoming series. He has been a key player for the Men in Blue side at the No.3 position.
Sai Sudharsan's record at No.3
After the omission of Cheteshwar Pujara from the Test squad, the team management tried several batting options at the No.3 position, as it is considered one of the toughest positions to bat. Sai Sudharsan got his chance during the England series, but he failed in the first innings.
Later on in his second Test match, he scored a gritty 61 runs in Manchester. Since then, he has been a reliable batter for the side in the traditional format of the game. In 12 innings, he has scored 383 runs with an average just over 30, with three half-centuries to his name. Being a good player of spin, he would have added an extra strength for the side.
Devdutt Padikkal to replace Sai Sudharsan at No.3?
With Sai out of the series, this provides an in-form Devdutt Padikkal an opportunity to bat at No.3 and make a good headache for Gautam Gambhir and the coaching staff, as he should not be overlooked in the red-ball format. The Karnataka captain had a stellar IPL season, and before that he had an amazing Ranji Trophy as he helped his side to qualify for the final.
Devdutt Padikkal has vast experience batting at No.3 in domestic cricket across formats. The Southpaw has played two matches for the Men in Blue and scored 90 runs with one fifty to his name. He is also a sensational player of spin and can take them down well.
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