Sai Sudharsan, who was notably absent when the Indian squad departed Mumbai for Sri Lanka on Tuesday, August 4, is expected to join his teammates in Colombo by Saturday, August 8. The 24-year-old left-hander is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a minor niggle in his big toe. Having resumed batting practice at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, he is anticipated to receive medical clearance to travel shortly.
While Sudharsan is on track to regain full fitness before the first Test begins on August 15, his delayed arrival means he will miss the three-day warm-up match scheduled to start this Friday, August 7. A vital component of Shubman Gill’s Test lineup at the No. 3 position, Sudharsan has accumulated 383 runs across seven Tests at an average of 39, including three half-centuries.
In preparation for the series, the BCCI has confirmed that four net bowlers—Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Tanush Kotian, and Vipraj Nigam—have joined the squad to assist with training. The Indian team held their inaugural practice session at the NCC Ground on Wednesday, August 5, following their arrival in the country.
The tour schedule proceeds with the conclusion of the warm-up match on August 9, after which the team will head to Galle for the opening Test. The second and final Test of the series is slated to begin on August 23 in Colombo.
As had reported, Sudharsan had told close friends that he would fly out ‘later this week’.
It has now emerged that he could travel to the island by weekend, meaning he will miss the three-day warm-up match, which begins on Friday (August 7).
A prolific white-ball batter, Sudharsan is also regarded as a key member of Shubman Gill’s Test side, particularly at No 3.
The Tamil Nadu and Gujarat batter has featured in seven Tests and scored 383 runs at an average of 39 with three half centuries.
