Sarfaraz Khan recalled to India Test squad, replaces injured B. Sai Sudharsan

Sarfaraz Khan has been named in India’s Test squad on Sunday, August 9, 2026, replacing the injured B. Sai Sudharsan for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka and returning to the squad after 20 months.

The selection committee, in consultation with the team management, chose Sarfaraz after Sai Sudharsan did not recover in time from a right big-toe stress injury. The 28-year-old last played for India in November 2024. The decision follows an absence from international selection since late 2024.

Selectors had considered several options before settling on Sarfaraz; he had emerged as a primary contender alongside Shaik Rasheed and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Rasheed was noted for a prolific domestic run and for being able to bat in the top-order. Ruturaj remained in the conversation on account of his experience and his First Class record.

Sarfaraz’s Test career, which began with a promising debut in 2024, had stalled after limited opportunities. All of his six Test appearances came in 2024, and he was conspicuously left out of India’s squad after not getting an opportunity during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The Mumbai batter has continued to remain a top performer in domestic cricket, keeping himself in the selection frame despite the long hiatus at the international level. The vacancy at No. 3 created by Sai Sudharsan’s absence may give Sarfaraz a chance to revive his Test career that began with considerable promise.

The BCCI announced Sarfaraz’s inclusion on Sunday. He is expected to link up with the Indian team in Colombo before the side travels to Galle on Tuesday.