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Top 3 Candidates to Replace Him against Sri Lanka: Bad news has emerged for the Indian cricket team just before their tour of Sri Lanka (India tour of Sri Lanka 2026). Talented left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series due to a stress-related issue in his right leg. Sudharsan is currently working on his fitness at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. According to reports, he practiced batting in the nets for over an hour and even ran at a speed of 24 km/h, but pain persists in his big toe.
Top 3 Candidates to Replace Sai Sudharsan in India Test Squad
With Sudharsan out, the biggest question is: who will take his place in the Test squad? Selectors are primarily eyeing three strong contenders:
1. Sarfaraz Khan: Top Candidate for Middle-Order
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28-year-old Sarfaraz Khan appears to be the frontrunner in this race. The aggressive right-handed batter made his Test debut for India in 2024 and made an immediate impact with his batting. However, he has not received an opportunity since playing against New Zealand in November 2024.
- Test Career: 6 matches (11 innings), 371 runs (average ~37)
- Performance: 1 century and 3 half-centuries
- Case for Selection: A prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz is capable of bolstering the middle order, and his footwork against spin is considered excellent.
Also Read: IND vs SL Tests: Top 5 Highest Run-Scorers in India vs Sri Lanka
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad: Excellent Form and Master of Spin
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Stylish Maharashtra batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is also a strong option to replace Sudharsan. Gaikwad, who has played 9 ODIs and 23 T20Is for India, is still awaiting his Test debut.
- First-Class Record: 47 matches, 3294 runs, average of 44.51 (9 centuries and 17 half-centuries)
- Case for Selection: Sri Lankan pitches are generally considered favorable for spinners. Ruturaj plays spin exceptionally well and has been consistently scoring big innings in domestic tournaments. His technique is perfectly suited for the Test format.
3. Shreyas Iyer: Experience and Proven Track Record
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Selectors have placed considerable faith in 31-year-old Shreyas Iyer in recent times. Upon his return to limited-overs cricket, he was even entrusted with the team's captaincy. Iyer has also impressed in domestic red-ball cricket, boosting his chances of a return to the Test squad.
- Test Career: 14 matches (24 innings), 811 runs, average of 36.86
- Performance: 1 century and 5 half-centuries (Last Test: February 2024)
- Case for Selection: Iyer's Test experience and his ability to comfortably tackle spinners in Asian conditions make him a safe and reliable option.
Who Will Replace Sai Sudharsan in Team India?
It will be interesting to see whom the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee chooses to replace Sai Sudharsan: the in-form Sarfaraz, Ruturaj (who is awaiting his debut), or the experienced Shreyas Iyer!
Also Read: Shubman Gill Injured: Top 2 Players Who Can Replace Him in 1st Test
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