3 players who could replace Sai Sudharsan in India squad for SL vs IND Test series

Sai Sudharsan, as per reports, has been ruled out of the SL vs IND Test series due to an injury.

The two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and India is scheduled to start on August 15 at Galle International Stadium. Since 2017, this is the first time that these two teams are playing a Test series on Sri Lankan soil.

That is why it is an important series for both sides. India have already been hit with several injuries. Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy were ruled out, and Sai Sudharsan, as per reports in Dainik Jargan, has become the latest player to join the list.

India have given a long run to Sudharsan at no. 3 and was starting to look good. But an injury will keep him out of the series. That will leave India with a big gap to fill.

They need a reliable player who can ideally replace Sudharsan at no. 3. Hence, we will talk about three possible contenders who can be picked as replacements for the SL vs IND series.

3 players who might replace injured Sai Sudharsan in the Indian squad for SL vs IND Test series

1. Sarfaraz Khan

A couple of years back, the Indian management identified Sarfaraz Khan as the next big name in the Indian Test side. His consistent performance at the domestic level forced the selectors to pick him in 2024, and he played six test matches, scoring 371 runs. But since then, he has not been in the plans, especially when India have tried several names in the batting unit.

Sarfaraz is still scoring heavily at the domestic level, and he was unlucky to miss the Indian squad for the SL vs IND series. But he can be back as a replacement. Sarfaraz is an excellent player of spin, and his ability to score runs on slow tracks can surely help India.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Another batter that has impressed everyone whenever he has had a chance to play for India is Ruturaj Gaikwad. The 29-year-old has become a household name among the Indian fans. He has already scored a century in ODIs and T20Is for India.

In fact, he was part of the India A squad that played two unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A. He batted at Nos. 3 and 4 during that series. Gaikwad has a solid technique, which can prove beneficial on the slow pitches in Sri Lanka. He has always been a good top-order batter and can ideally bat at no. 3 for India if given a chance.

3. Karun Nair

If it is about finding someone at bat at no. 3 in Tests, then Karun Nair can be recalled to the squad. India tried him at no. 3 during the England series before continuing with Sudharsan.

Though Nair couldn’t impress in England, but the conditions in Sri Lanka are totally different. Nair is still doing well at the domestic circuit, and his presence in the squad can add experience to the Indian batting unit.

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