New Delhi: Talented top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan was on Saturday ruled out of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka after failing to recover from a big toe injury sustained during the India A tour of the island nation last month.
Sudharsan, who scored two centuries in two 'A' Test matches, was hit during the second game against Sri Lanka 'A' and has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
"Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Doctors have advised more time for biological healing. Significant improvement, but not yet sufficient for a safe return to Test cricket," according to an update from the Sports Science team monitoring the player's rehabilitation.
The Sports Science team has informed the team management and national selection committee.
The medical and fitness advice for Sudharsan reads: "Rehabilitation, strength & conditioning, and cricket-specific loads should be increased gradually and under close monitoring. The cautious approach is aimed at reducing the risk of recurrence or further complications and protecting long-term performance."
In his absence, Devdutt Padikkal, who scored a century in the practice game, will be the new number three batter.
It remains to be seen who replaces Sudharsan in the squad.
Burly Mumbai veteran Sarfaraz Khan seems to be a decent choice, but an important member of the coaching staff, as well as the selection committee, does not have a lot of faith in him.