Sai Sudharsan Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Test Series, Devdutt Padikkal Set to Bat at No. 3

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Team India have suffered another big setback ahead of the Test series against Sri Lanka. After Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan has now also been ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series.

The series is extremely important for India from the World Test Championship point of view. If India want to keep their hopes of reaching the WTC final strong, they need a dominant result against Sri Lanka.

However, even before the series begins, injuries have created problems for the Indian team.

Sai Sudharsan Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Test Series

Jasprit Bumrah was one of the first major concerns for Team India. He was initially selected for the Sri Lanka Test series subject to fitness clearance.

However, Bumrah could not get the required fitness clearance and was eventually ruled out.

Sai Sudharsan was another player whose selection was subject to fitness clearance. Unfortunately for India, the left-handed batter has also failed to recover in time and has now been ruled out of the series.

Losing two players who were initially part of the plans is certainly not ideal for Team India ahead of such an important Test series.

Devdutt Padikkal Set to Bat at No. 3

While there is no confirmation yet regarding Sai Sudharsan’s replacement in the squad, Devdutt Padikkal is now set to take the No. 3 position in the playing XI.

Padikkal was already available as another batting option. Sudharsan has not yet done enough in Test cricket to completely make the No. 3 position his own, which meant India already had an alternative in Padikkal.

Now, Sudharsan’s injury has made the situation much clearer.

Padikkal has also strengthened his case with his recent performance in the warm-up match. The left-handed batter smashed an impressive century and showed that he is ready to take the responsibility.

Considering his form and Sudharsan’s absence, Padikkal is now the front-runner to bat at No. 3 against Sri Lanka.

Who Could Replace Sai Sudharsan in the Squad?

Even if Padikkal takes the No. 3 position, the Indian selectors could still look to add another batter to the squad as a backup option.

One interesting name is Sarfaraz Khan.

Sarfaraz could be a good option, especially considering his ability to play spin. Sri Lankan conditions can offer plenty of assistance to spinners, and a batter who is comfortable against spin could be useful for India.

Another option is Abhimanyu Easwaran.

Easwaran has been around India’s Test setup for a long time and has previously travelled with the squad as a backup opener. The selectors could consider him once again if they want another experienced domestic batter in the squad.

It will be interesting to see whether the selectors go with Sarfaraz, Easwaran or another option altogether.

Big Opportunity for Devdutt Padikkal

Sai Sudharsan being ruled out has opened a big door for Devdutt Padikkal.

His century in the warm-up match could not have come at a better time. If Padikkal carries that form into the Test series and scores runs at No. 3, he could make a strong case for a regular place in India’s Test batting order.

For now, Sai Sudharsan being ruled out is another setback for Team India, but it has also created a big opportunity for Padikkal.

With important World Test Championship points at stake, India will hope their new No. 3 can make the most of this opportunity against Sri Lanka.

Team India’s Updated Squad
vs Sri Lanka for 1st Test

Batter
Shubman Gill(c)
KL Rahul (vc)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Devdutt Padikkal

Wicket Keeper

Rishabh Pant
Dhruv Jurel

All Rounder

Ravindra Jadeja
Manav Suthar
Saransh Jain
Auqib Nabi

Bowler

Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
Gurnoor Brar

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