There has been another big change in the Indian cricket team ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. After the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudarshan has also been dropped from the tour. According to reports, Sudarshan will not be able to play in the series as he has not fully recovered from his injury. The BCCI has selected Sarfaraz Khan in his place. He will soon join the Indian team in Colombo. On one hand, Devdutt Padikkal has strengthened his claim by scoring a century, while Sarfaraz’s inclusion will make it a big challenge for head coach Gautam Gambhir to select the final eleven for the Galle Test.
Sarfaz Khan’s comeback to Team India
The BCCI announced this replacement player immediately after the practice match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI on Sunday, August 9. The BCCI has said that Sudarshan has suffered a stress fracture in his right leg and has not fully recovered from the injury. He is currently being monitored by a medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The board clarified that despite his improvement, Sudarshan will not be able to participate in the Test series and that is why the selection committee has selected Sarfaraz Khan.
Sarfaraz, a middle-order batsman
In the six Test matches he has played for India, Sarfaraz has mainly batted at number five or six. He has also been sent at number four at times. He then scored his maiden Test century against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Therefore, there is a possibility of a change in the Indian batting order for the first match in Galle.
Devdutt Padikkal to challenge Sarfaraz
With Sai Sudarshan out of the team, the biggest question is who will bat at number three, but Sarfaraz is unlikely to get the responsibility. Coach Gambhir may send captain Shubman Gill to bat at number three or Devdutt Padikkal, who scored a brilliant century in the practice match, may get a chance. Padikkal came to bat at number three in the first innings of the practice match, while Rishabh Pant was given a chance at that position in the second innings.
Last played in 2024
Sarfraz Khan has been out of the Indian team since January 2025. He did not play a single match during the Australia tour. He last played in a Test match against New Zealand in November 2024. However, his absence from the team has raised many questions since then. The selection committee and the team management have also been criticized for constantly ignoring him. However, he has now returned to the team.
Which players may get a chance?
For the openers, it is almost certain that Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will open the innings. After that, Devdutt Padikkal and captain Shubman Gill will take charge of the top-order batting. Rishabh Pant or Dhruv Jurel are likely to be available at number five, as well as in the wicket-keeping role. On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja can play as an all-rounder at number six.
IND vs SL: Big change in Team India ahead of Sri Lanka series! Sai Sudarshan OUT, ‘this’ star player enters the team