Sarfaraz Khan Returns to India Test Squad After Two Years, Replaces Injured Sai Sudharsan Ahead of Galle Test

Sarfaraz Khan has earned a recall to India’s Test squad after nearly two years, replacing the injured Sai Sudharsan for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the change on Sunday evening.

The first India vs Sri Lanka Test is scheduled to begin on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium. The second Test will be played in Colombo from August 23.

Sarfaraz last represented India in the Test series against New Zealand in 2024. The Mumbai batter has played six Tests for India and has scored 371 runs, including a century and three half-centuries.

Sarfaraz Khan Replaces Sai Sudharsan

Sarfaraz has been brought into the squad after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series because of his injury.

Sudharsan had impressed during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka, producing back-to-back centuries and strengthening his case for a regular place in the Test side. His absence leaves India with another selection challenge ahead of the opening Test in Galle.

The BCCI has said Sudharsan is undergoing rehabilitation at its Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, with his progress being monitored by the medical team.

India Face Injury Concerns Ahead of Sri Lanka Tests

India’s preparations for the Sri Lanka tour have been affected by several injury concerns.

Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable for the series after his knee problem, while Washington Sundar is set to miss the first Test. Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep are also unavailable as India deal with fitness issues across the squad.

Captain Shubman Gill had also raised concerns after hurting his right ring finger during a net session. However, he returned during the warm-up game and batted alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, easing concerns over his availability ahead of the Galle Test.

India will therefore enter the Sri Lanka series with a squad that has undergone several changes because of injuries and fitness concerns.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule

The two-match Test series is part of India’s World Test Championship campaign. The opening Test will be played at Galle from August 15, followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23.

The first Test in Galle is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM local time, or 10:00 AM IST.

India’s Updated Test Squad for Sri Lanka

Following Sarfaraz Khan’s inclusion, India’s updated Test squad is:

Shubman Gill (Captain)

KL Rahul (Vice-Captain)

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)

Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)

Ravindra Jadeja

Kuldeep Yadav

Manav Suthar

Mohammed Siraj

Prasidh Krishna

Gurnoor Brar

Devdutt Padikkal

Saransh Jain

Auqib Nabi

Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Gets Another Chance in Test Cricket

Sarfaraz’s recall gives the batter another opportunity to establish himself in India’s Test setup. His six-Test career has so far produced 371 runs at an average of 37.10, including a century and three fifties.

With Sudharsan unavailable and several players dealing with fitness issues, Sarfaraz could become an important option for India’s middle order in Sri Lanka.

The immediate question, however, will be whether the team management includes him in the playing XI or opts for another combination from the available batting options.