The BCCI has selected Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan, who remains sidelined by a toe stress fracture sustained during India A's tour of Sri Lanka in July.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced that Sarfaraz Khan will join the Indian squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, filling the vacancy left by Sai Sudharsan's injury. Sudharsan, a left-handed batter, sustained a stress fracture to his right toe during the India A tour in July and has been recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Despite making progress in his rehabilitation, medical assessments determined he would not be fit in time for the upcoming series.
Sarfaraz, aged 28, will link up with the Indian team in Colombo before the squad travels to Galle for the first Test, scheduled to commence on August 15, 2026. The Mumbai-based batter last represented India during the three-Test series against New Zealand in 2024, where he scored his maiden Test century in the second match. However, he subsequently lost his place in the squad following limited opportunities in subsequent international assignments.
The selection reflects Sarfaraz's strong domestic cricket record. Across 92 First-Class innings, he has accumulated 5,114 runs at an average of 64.73, including 17 centuries and 16 fifties. In recent months, he has undertaken an intensive fitness programme, resulting in significant weight loss. According to the BCCI, his experience playing against spin bowling and proven domestic performance record were key factors in the selection committee's decision.
