Sarfaraz Khan likely to return to India Test squad after Sudharsan toe injury

India batter Sarfaraz Khan is likely to be drafted into the Test squad as a replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, according to BCCI sources. Sudharsan has been ruled out of the series after failing to recover from a big toe injury he sustained during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka last month. The setback has opened the door for Sarfaraz to make his return to India’s Test set-up.

Sarfaraz emerges as replacement

“Sarfaraz Khan is likely to replace injured Sai Sudharsan in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka,” a BCCI source told ANI. The Mumbai batter had been outside the Test squad despite remaining in contention following strong performances in domestic cricket. His potential recall comes at a time when India are dealing with several injury concerns ahead of the Sri Lanka assignment.

Sudharsan ruled out with toe injury

Sudharsan had been expected to be part of India’s batting plans for the series but has failed to recover sufficiently from the toe injury. His absence leaves India with a vacancy in the batting group ahead of the opening Test, with Sarfaraz now emerging as the likely replacement in the squad.

India hit by injury concerns

India have already suffered a major setback with Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the two-Test series because of continuing discomfort from a left knee injury. Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi received his maiden senior India call-up as Bumrah’s replacement. The injury concerns have forced India to make changes ahead of a series that will begin in Galle on August 15. The second Test is scheduled to start in Colombo on August 23.

Chance for a comeback

A recall would offer Sarfaraz another opportunity to establish himself in India’s Test middle order. He made his Test debut against England in February 2024 and has since played six Tests, scoring 371 runs, including a century and three half-centuries. With Sudharsan unavailable, Sarfaraz could now find himself back in India’s red-ball plans as the team prepares for the two-Test challenge in Sri Lanka.