Sai Sudharsan ruled out of Sri Lanka Tests

India's injury woes have deepened with Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

The 24-year-old left-hander has been nursing a toe injury and was a notable absentee when the Indian squad travelled to Sri Lanka earlier this week. He also missed the ongoing warm-up game in Colombo.

According to BCCI sources, doctors have advised Sudharsan to allow more time for biological healing before returning to competitive cricket. While his recovery has shown significant improvement, it has not progressed sufficiently for a safe return to Test cricket.

The medical team has recommended that his rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and cricket-specific workload be increased gradually under close monitoring. Cricbuzz understands that the cautious approach is aimed at reducing the risk of recurrence or further complications while safeguarding his long-term performance.

His absence adds to India's growing list of injury concerns ahead of the first Test. Jasprit Bumrah is already unavailable, while Washington Sundar is also dealing with an injury, although he has not yet been officially ruled out of the second Test. Captain Shubman Gill, meanwhile, has missed the ongoing warm-up fixture after sustaining an impact injury to his right ring finger during training.

With Sudharsan ruled out, Devdutt Padikkal is expected to slot into the No. 3 position after strengthening his case with an unbeaten 142 in the warm-up match. Having retired hurt on 103, he returned later in the innings to finish unbeaten on 142.

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