India's tour of Sri Lanka will begin with a two-match Test series starting on August 15. Ahead of the series, the Indian team will play a warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI from August 7 to help players adapt to local conditions.
The Indian cricket team has departed for its upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, where it will play a two-match Test series. The series is considered important for both teams in the context of World Test Cricket. However, during the team's departure, one member of the announced 15-player squad was not seen travelling with the rest of the team.
The absence of young left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan has led to discussions among cricket followers and experts regarding his availability. His fitness status remains unclear.
The Indian team departed from Mumbai for Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Players, including captain Shubman Gill, were seen at the airport. However, Sai Sudharsan was not present with the squad, making his absence a topic of discussion. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier indicated that Sudharsan's selection was subject to his fitness. As a result, a final decision regarding his participation in the Sri Lanka tour is still considered pending.
When the Indian squad was announced, the BCCI stated that the availability of Sai Sudharsan and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah would depend on their fitness reports. Bumrah later failed to meet the required fitness standards, following which Aqib Nabi was included in the squad as his replacement. However, no official change has yet been announced in Sudharsan's case.
Cricket experts believe the board is awaiting his medical report and recovery progress. If he is declared fully fit, he could join the squad at a later stage.
Sai Sudharsan has emerged as one of India's promising young batters in recent years. His performances in domestic cricket, the IPL and international cricket have attracted the attention of the selectors. He has also demonstrated his ability in Test cricket. In seven Test matches so far, he has played several important innings and contributed to the team in challenging conditions.
His technique, patience and ability to bat for long periods make him suitable for the Test format. For this reason, the team management does not want to rush a decision regarding his fitness.
Sai Sudharsan has played seven Test matches for India. Across 12 innings, he has scored 383 runs.
- Total runs: 383
- Batting average: 31.91
- Half-centuries: 3
- Highest score: 87
He is yet to score a Test century, although several of his innings have been important for the team.
Before the Test series begins, India will play a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI, providing players with an opportunity to adjust to local conditions.
- Warm-up match – India vs Sri Lanka XI: From August 7, 2026
- First Test – August 15 to 19, 2026: Galle International Stadium, Galle
- Second Test – August 23 to 27, 2026: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan (subject to fitness), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain and Aqib Nabi.
