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Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Sai Sudharsan's fitness could become a concern for Shubman Gill and his team ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Ashwin feels that missing Sai Sudharsan could hurt India because the young batter is in excellent form and already has experience of playing in Sri Lankan conditions.
India will travel to Sri Lanka for the two-match Test series, with the first Test scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle. Sudharsan has been included in India's 15-member squad, but his final selection depends on his fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Amid this, BCCI appoints Subhadeep Ghosh as India's new fielding coach ahead of Sri Lanka.
Sai Sudharsan's brilliant India A performance in Sri Lanka
Sai Sudharsan is currently recovering from a minor injury, though the exact details have not been shared by the board and selectors. He impressed everyone with his brilliant performances for India A during their Sri Lanka tour. The left-handed batter showed great confidence against the Sri Lankan bowling attack and performed extremely well in Galle conditions.
Sai Sudharsan finished the India A series as the highest run-scorer with 332 runs in four innings at an average of 166. He also scored two centuries, including one hundred at Galle, the same venue where India will play their first Test against Sri Lanka.
Ashwin feels Sudharsan's absence could be a big loss for India
And that’s why Ravichandran Ashwin feels Sai Sudharsan's presence would be a big advantage for India. His confidence is high, and he has also shown that he can play spin bowling well.
However, if Sai Sudharsan misses the first Test, India still has another talented option in Devdutt Padikkal. And Ashwin believes that Padikkal will also perform well if he gets a chance in the playing XI.
Ravichandran Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel, 'Ash ki Baat': “Sai Sudarshan's fitness can be a big loss for India. He scored two hundreds in the India A series, and one came at Galle. If he is fit, it can be an advantage for India."
"His confidence will be high, and he is a good player of spin too. I hope he is fit. But Padikkal will get a chance in his place, and that is also not a bad thing. He has also done well in first-class. Happy for both of them.”
Ravichandran Ashwin gives important advice on Jasprit Bumrah's workload
Jasprit Bumrah's fitness is another major concern before the Sri Lanka Test series, as his availability also depends on his fitness clearance. Bumrah is recovering from a knee issue that he suffered during the second ODI against England while fielding.
Ashwin believes India should be very careful with Bumrah and should not rush him back, especially in subcontinental conditions where spinners usually play a bigger role.
He feels India's priority should be keeping Bumrah fresh for major events like the 2027 ODI World Cup, the 2028 Olympics, and the T20 World Cup. Amid this, Deep Dasgupta expresses concern over Abhishek Sharma's worrying run of form.
Jasprit Bumrah should be saved for big tournaments: Ashwin
The former Indian all-rounder also believes that Bumrah does not need to play every Test match in India or other spin-friendly conditions. He explained, “The fresher we keep him for the big tournaments and away tours, the better. So, I would not be too fussed. I don't think there is a need to play him in Sri Lanka.”
Ashwin signed off by saying, “I am not saying this tour is not important for the WTC cycle, but Sri Lanka is a spinner-dependent tour where his role can be less. If he is not entirely fit, I will not risk it, as my priority is the 50-over World Cup. He has recently had some injury, and with a history, it is better to protect him. If the injury aggravates, it will take a longer time to return.”
