India are preparing for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with the squad scheduled to leave for Colombo on August 4. However, left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan will not travel with the team as he continues his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (BCCI) in Bengaluru.
India have already suffered a major setback ahead of the series after pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out with a knee injury. Uncapped Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has replaced him in the 15-member squad, while the team management continues to monitor Sudharsan's recovery.
Sai Sudharsan Unlikely to Travel with Team India Today
According to RevSportz journalist Rohit Juglan, Sai Sudharsan will not travel with the Indian squad from Mumbai to Colombo on August 4. The left-handed batter has resumed batting at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru but is still some distance away from full fitness.
Juglan shared the latest update on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating: "Sai Sudharsan won't travel with the team from Mumbai today. He has started batting but still not close to 100% fitness. Team India to reach Colombo by afternoon today."
Sai Sudarshan wont travel with the team from Mumbai today
— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) August 4, 2026
He has started batting but still not close to 100% fitness
Team India to reach colombo by afternoon today
The Indian medical staff will continue to monitor Sudharsan's recovery before deciding when he can join the squad. While reports suggest he has recovered well from a minor niggle, the BCCI has not confirmed his travel date or availability for the warm-up match.
Warm-Up Match Could Decide Sai Sudharsan's Chances
India will play a three-day warm-up match at the NCC Grounds in Colombo from August 7 to August 9 before travelling to Galle on August 10. The fixture will help the visitors adjust to Sri Lankan conditions and finalize their combinations for the Test series.
If Sai Sudharsan receives fitness clearance before the warm-up match, he could feature in the only practice game before the series begins. Missing that match would leave him with only training sessions in Galle to prepare for the opening Test.
The 24-year-old impressed during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka. He finished as the highest run-scorer with 332 runs from four innings at an average of 166, including two centuries in the unofficial Tests played at Galle.
India Face Important World Test Championship Challenge
India will begin the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on August 15. The second Test will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23.
Notably, the visitors have already lost Jasprit Bumrah to a knee injury, with uncapped pacer Auqib Nabi named as his replacement. The team management will hope Sai Sudharsan recovers in time to strengthen the batting order for the important series.
India are currently fifth in the 2025-27 World Test Championship standings with four wins, four defeats, and one draw. To stay in contention for a place in the WTC final at The Oval, Shubman Gill's side will likely need to win seven of their remaining nine Tests.
