Three options to replace Sai Sudharsan for India’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka

India must find a replacement for Sai Sudharsan in their squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15 at Galle International Stadium, after reports in Dainik Jargan said Sudharsan has been ruled out with an injury.

The series is the first Test between the sides on Sri Lankan soil since 2017, making it a notable appointment for both teams, and India have already been disrupted by injuries to Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Sarfaraz Khan is one possible replacement: Indian selectors picked him in 2024 after strong domestic form, he has played six Test matches for India and scored 371 runs, and he continues to score heavily at domestic level; Sarfaraz is described in the source as an excellent player of spin whose ability on slow tracks could assist India.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is another contender. The 29-year-old has produced notable performances for India, including a century in both ODIs and T20Is, and he featured for India A in two unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A where he batted at Nos. 3 and 4; the source notes his solid technique and suitability for slow Sri Lankan pitches.

Karun Nair is a further option. India previously tried Nair at No. 3 during the England series before persisting with Sudharsan; although he did not impress in England, the source states conditions in Sri Lanka are very different, Nair is still performing on the domestic circuit, and his inclusion would add experience to the batting unit.

A replacement will be required ahead of the two-match Test series, which starts on August 15 (Saturday) at Galle International Stadium.