Who will bat at three for India in SL vs IND Test series?
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The IND vs SL Test series will start on August 15 (Saturday) at Galle International Stadium.
The action in the two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and India will begin on August 15. The first test will be played at Galle International Stadium, followed by the second game at Sinhalese Sports Club, starting on August 23 (Sunday).
This is the first test tour in Sri Lanka since 2017 for Team India. They have not lost a series against Sri Lanka in Tests since 2008. Hence, Shubman Gill and co. will look to maintain the sheer dominance with another series win here.
However, India will be without some of their key players. Star batter Sai Sudharsan, as per various reports, has been ruled out of the upcoming series due to injury. The 24-year-old slammed two centuries for India A in two unofficial tests against Sri Lanka A last month.
His absence will surely be a big blow to the Indian batting unit. He has shown good form in recent matches across different levels, and India need to find a reliable no. 3 for the coming series.
Who will be India’s no. 3 in SL vs IND Tests in the absence of Sai Sudharan?
Sudharsan played a fluent innings of 81 runs in the one-off Test against Afghanistan and has started to show good signs as India’s new no. 3 in Tests. But now he is ruled out, and the big concern will be his replacement.
Though India have not announced a replacement yet, there are a few players who can be added to the squad. The likes of Sarfaraz Khan, Karun Nair, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar can be given a chance as replacements.
But if we look at the current squad, Devdutt Padikkal has shown signs that he is a proven contender for India’s no. 3 in the absence of Sudharsan. The left-hander is part of the ongoing warm-up game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo.
He has already struck a fluent century in the game. He has scored a century and is still batting. This knock came at No. 3. India gave him a chance to bat at no. 3 in the game, which also indicates that India are willing to use him at no. 3 in the coming SL vs IND series.
When will the first test between Sri Lanka and India start?
The first test between Sri Lanka and India will start on August 15 at Galle International Stadium.
Who will replace Sai Sudharsan for Team India at no. 3?
Devdutt Padikkal is likely to bat at No. 3 in the absence of Sai Sudharsan.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.