Sarfaraz Khan Replaces Injured Sudharsan for Sri Lanka Tests
Sarfaraz Khan Called Up as Sai Sudharsan Misses Sri Lanka Test Series
SARFARAZ IN SQUAD
Illustration concept: A crisp, high-definition photograph of an official red cricket ball and Indian cricket team helmet sitting on a lush grass pitch, daylight stadium background softly blurred.
AI summary
Sarfaraz Khan has been drafted into India's Test squad for the upcoming two-match series in Sri Lanka, replacing injured batter Sai Sudharsan. The tour begins in Galle on August 15 before shifting to Colombo for the second Test.
Why this matters
This series marks India's return to World Test Championship action following a home series defeat against South Africa in November. Occupying fifth place in the standings, India need strong performances in Sri Lanka to stay competitive in the WTC race.
Key takeaways
- Sarfaraz Khan has been named to replace left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan in India's Test squad.
- Sudharsan was ruled out due to an ongoing toe injury despite making progress in recovery.
- The two-match Test series in Sri Lanka begins in Galle on August 15, followed by the second Test in Colombo from August 23-27.
- India enter the series ranked fifth in the World Test Championship standings, while Sri Lanka hold sixth place.
India's national selection committee has added middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan to the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the decision on Sunday after ruling out left-handed opener Sai Sudharsan, who continues to recover from a toe injury despite making notable progress.
The tour represents India's first red-ball assignment in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle since suffering a 2-0 home series loss against South Africa last November. India currently occupy fifth spot in the WTC table, while host nation Sri Lanka sit just behind them in sixth place. Australia currently lead the global standings.
The opening Test will commence on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium. Both teams will subsequently head to Colombo for the second Test, scheduled to be played between August 23 and August 27.
According to reports from Business Recorder, Sarfaraz's inclusion provides additional batting strength to the squad as India aim to rebuild momentum and climb up the World Test Championship rankings during their island tour.
Frequently asked questions
- Why was Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series?
- Sai Sudharsan was sidelined due to a toe injury, despite showing positive progress in his recovery.
- Who was selected to replace Sai Sudharsan in the Indian squad?
- The BCCI named batter Sarfaraz Khan as Sudharsan's replacement for the Sri Lanka tour.
- When and where are the two Tests against Sri Lanka being held?
- The first Test starts in Galle on August 15, while the second Test takes place in Colombo between August 23 and August 27.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- Business Recorder
- Original publication:
- Aug 9, 2026, 4:28 PM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 9, 2026, 4:28 PM
- Updated:
- Aug 9, 2026, 4:30 PM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
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