Sarfaraz Khan Set to Replace Injured Sai Sudharsan for Sri Lanka Test Series

In a significant development for the Indian cricket team, Sarfaraz Khan is poised to replace the injured Sai Sudharsan for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Sudharsan's injury has raised concerns about his fitness, while captain Shubman Gill and seamer Jasprit Bumrah are also sidelined due to injuries. The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, sees India grappling with multiple injury challenges as they prepare for the first Test in Galle. With the team currently positioned fifth in the standings, the upcoming matches are crucial for their campaign.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 9, 2026, 11:01 IST

Sarfaraz Khan Likely to Join the Squad

According to sources from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sarfaraz Khan is expected to step in for the injured Sai Sudharsan in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Sudharsan has reportedly suffered an injury that may prevent him from participating in the series.

The BCCI is anticipated to finalize the squad soon, with a source confirming, "Sarfaraz Khan is likely to replace injured Sai Sudharsan in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka."

Sudharsan's Rehabilitation and Fitness Concerns

Currently, Sudharsan is undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, where he has been involved in batting and fielding drills. However, he is not expected to achieve full fitness in time for the first Test against Sri Lanka, which is set to commence in Galle on August 15. Notably, he did not board the flight with the Indian team to Sri Lanka and consequently missed the ongoing three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, which started on August 8.

Injury Challenges for the Indian Team

In addition to Sudharsan's injury, Indian captain Shubman Gill has also faced a setback, injuring his right ring finger during a practice session prior to the first Test. The BCCI announced on social media, "Update: Captain Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during India's practice on Thursday. As a precaution, he will not participate on Day 1 of the warm-up match against SLC XI. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his recovery. KL Rahul will lead the team in Gill's absence."

Furthermore, seamer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the series due to an incomplete recovery from a left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England. Aquib Nabi has been included in the squad as Bumrah's replacement.

The Indian team is facing several injury issues ahead of the series, with Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy out due to hamstring and quadriceps injuries, respectively. Washington Sundar will also miss the opening Test due to a hamstring problem, while Akash Deep remains unavailable as he continues to recover from stress reactions in his back.

ICC World Test Championship Context

This series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Currently, India, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, sits fifth in the World Test Championship standings, having achieved four victories and four losses in nine matches, resulting in a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.