Sai Sudarshan misses Sri Lanka Test tour; a Malayali star replaces him

B Sai Sudharsan has been withdrawn from the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka due to a persistent big toe injury.

Sudharsan sustained the injury during a recent India A tour and has been undergoing rehabilitation.

Devdutt Padikkal is likely to be considered as a replacement for Sudharsan at the number three batting position.

Top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan was on Saturday ruled out of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka after failing to recover from a big toe injury sustained during the India A tour of the island nation last month.

Sudharsan, who scored two tons in two ‘A’ Test matches, was hit during the second game against Sri Lanka ‘A’ and since then has been in rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

“Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Doctors have advised more time for biological healing. Significant improvement, but not yet sufficient for a safe return to Test cricket,” according to the update from the Sports Science team which is monitoring the rehabilitation of the player.

The Sports Science team has informed the management and national selection committee.

In his absence, Malayali batter Devdutt Padikkal, who scored a century in the practice game, will be the new number three batter.

Padikkal represents Karnataka in domestic cricket. He was born in Kerala, but the family shifted to Hyderabad and later to Bengaluru. His father is from Nilambur, and his mother from Edappal.

It will be interesting to see who replaces Sudharsan in the playing XI. Whether Padikkal would get a chance depends on the team management.