India have lost yet another player ahead of their two-Test series against Sri Lanka as toe injury keeps Sai Sudharsan out of the tour.
The 24-year-old left-hander was already a big question mark after missing the India-Sri Lanka warm-up match in Colombo and was not included in the squad for the next match against Bangladesh. He has made progress in recovery but the doctors have said he should be given more time before he can return to competitive cricket.
Sudharsan advised to continue rehabilitation
Sudharsan had been undergoing the rehabilitation process after suffering the toe injury and was back at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for batting practice. Doctors have, however, recommended him to give the injury more time to heal before he is able to participate in Test cricket.
The BCCI medical team is likely to keep a close watch on him. He will be undergoing a rehabilitation programme, which will involve strength and conditioning exercises and a gradual increase in cricket-specific activities. The main thing is to make sure he comes back in good shape, not to risk making the injury worse.
Sudharsan absence is a huge loss for India, especially as he had become a valuable addition to the top order. The left-hander has already made his mark in Test cricket and was called on to make a significant contribution to the series against Sri Lanka.
India face growing injury concerns
Sudharsan’s departure further compounds the injury woes of India ahead of the first Test. Jasprit Bumrah is already out and Washington Sundar is also injured and is still a worry for the second Test.
Captain Shubman Gill has also been ruled out of the ongoing warm-up game due to an impact injury to his right ring finger. The team will watch him carefully before deciding on his combination for the first Test.
India could need to tweak their preferred XI as a number of key players have been struggling with fitness. The management will be especially interested in getting the available players in the right frame of mind for a two-test matchup.
Padikkal in line for No. 3 role
Devdutt Padikkal has improved his chances of being the next Sudharsan in the No.3 spot. The Karnataka batsman had a superb spell in the warm up match at Colombo, scoring an unbeaten 142.
After reaching 103, Padikkal had retired hurt but returned to the crease later in the innings and added to his impressive knock. His performance might be key as India search for a replacement for Sudharsan.
The left-hander’s durability and his recent play has made him a strong candidate. Now, the Indian team management will have to determine whether Padikkal will have a chance to make a big impression in the Test series.
Sudharsan absence a setback
In the longest format, Sudharsan was seen as one of the promising young batsmen of the country and was considered as an integral part of the team in the future. He has a knack for being patient and making a stroke, making him a valuable addition at the top of the order.
India will go into the Sri Lanka series without one of their preferred batters. The move, however, is indicative of the team’s caution of rushing back a player from injury.
Sudharsan will be concentrating on getting fit and getting back to his normal routine following his rehabilitation. Meanwhile, India will focus on putting together their squad ahead of the first Test and addressing fitness issues of some of their players.
