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Sai Sudharsan is likely to be declared fit ahead of the first Test match against Sri Lanka. Sudharsan, who is included in the Test team for the 2-match Test series against Sri Lanka, is yet to join the team.
Tension has been increasing as the batter is not declared fit, with only a few days left before the beginning of the first match. The India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test is scheduled to start on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium.
Sai Sudharsan could join the Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka on August 8
According to the latest Cricbuzz report on August 5, Sai Sudharshan has resumed his batting and is likely to join the main team soon. Multiple injuries forced the Indian team management to shuffle their squads multiple times, across the formats. Sudharshan is among the renowned batters whose fitness remains under concern.
Concerns increased especially after Jasprit Bumrah's exclusion from the series. Jasprit was ruled out of the India vs Sri Lanka Test match because of a knee issue in his left leg. Bumrah was expected to feature in the Tests, but in a sudden development, it was informed that the fast bowler would not travel with the team for the Tests.
Cricbuzz reported that Sai Sudharshan is likely to join the main squad in Sri Lanka on August 8, Sunday, five days ahead of the series opener. He is currently at the board's Centre of Excellence (CoE) for a niggle, but has resumed batting in the nets in Bengaluru.
"Sai Sudharsan is expected to link up with the rest of the Indian Test squad in Sri Lanka on Saturday. Sudharsan is understood to be nursing a niggle in his big toe but has resumed batting at the CoE," according to the latest report.
Final call on Sai Sudharsan's availability for the series against Sri Lanka is yet to be taken
A source close to the batter's recovery session stated to the news agency PTI that Sai Sudharsan batted at the nets for over an hour. He has a toe injury, from which he is currently recovering. The final call on whether he will play against Sri Lanka will be taken in the upcoming few days.
"Sai Sudharsan is training at the CoE and batting at nets for over an hour, while recovering from a toe injury. His assessment will continue to take place over the next three-four days before taking a final call (on his availability)," a source told PTI on August 4.
BCCI does not want to take any decision in hurry
Regaining full match fitness is the primary parameter for the order batter to mark his return with the national side. Taking lessons from Harshit Rana's instance, where the bowler injured himself again shortly after returning to India after a long injury layoff. The medical team does not want to have a similar situation for Sai Sudharshan.
"It needs to be ensured that he regains full fitness before returning to international cricket. We can't have another situation where (Harshit) Rana broke down again soon after his return to top-flight cricket," the source informed further.
