Young Team India batter Sai Sudharsan is making steady progress in his recovery ahead of the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka. The left-handed batter has resumed batting at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, improving his chances of being fit before the team leaves for Colombo on August 4.
The BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket have also revised India's pre-series schedule ahead of the two-match Test series. Notably, the warm-up game at the NCC Ground in Colombo has been reduced to a three-day match from August 7 to 9, giving the visitors valuable match practice before the first Test in Galle on August 15.
India-Sri Lanka Practice Match Reduced to Three Days Before Galle Test
India were originally scheduled to play a four-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka XI in Colombo. However, the BCCI, team management, and Sri Lanka Cricket agreed to reduce the fixture to three days, according to Cricbuzz. The match at the NCC Ground will also be broadcast live.
The exact reason for shortening the match has not been revealed. However, the BCCI and the Indian team management confirmed that all parties were informed about the revised schedule before the team leaves for Sri Lanka.
The practice game will give Shubman Gill's side valuable red-ball preparation before the Test series. India last played a Test in June. After the match ends on August 9, the team will travel to Galle for the opening Test. The second Test will begin on August 23 at the SSC Stadium in Colombo.
Sai Sudharsan Resumes Batting at Centre of Excellence
Sai Sudharsan was included in India's 15-member Test squad, subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He has been recovering from a minor big toe injury in Bengaluru. The left-handed batter has now resumed batting in the nets.
The BCCI has not disclosed the exact nature of his injury, but it is understood to be a minor issue. His recent return to batting is a positive sign, and the team management remains optimistic that he will receive full fitness clearance before departure.
Sai Sudharsan impressed during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka in June and July. He finished as the leading run-scorer with 332 runs in four innings at an average of 166, including two centuries. Both matches were played in Galle, giving him valuable experience at the venue.
Jasprit Bumrah Nears Full Fitness Ahead of Sri Lanka Tests
Jasprit Bumrah was also selected subject to fitness after recovering from a knee issue. He has made steady progress at the Centre of Excellence. The medical staff believe he is on course to regain full fitness before the opening Test in Galle.
India are currently fifth in the 2025-27 World Test Championship standings, with four wins from nine matches. They began the cycle with a 2-2 draw in England and a 2-0 home series win over West Indies before suffering a 0-2 home defeat to South Africa.
The Sri Lanka series is crucial to India's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final. With tough series against New Zealand and Australia still to come, Shubman Gill's side will aim to win both Tests in Sri Lanka and strengthen their chances of finishing in the top two.
