Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan has been recalled to the Indian Test squad, replacing the injured B. Sai Sudharsan for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the change on Sunday.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Sudharsan has been ruled out of the series due to a stress reaction in his right toe. While he has made considerable progress in his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, he will not be fit to participate in the Test matches against Sri Lanka.
Sarfaraz Khan, who made his Test debut in 2024, has represented India in six matches, accumulating 371 runs, including one century and three half-centuries. His most recent Test appearance was also in 2024. He was part of the squad for the 2024-25 tour of Australia but did not feature in any games. Subsequently, he was omitted from the squad for India’s Test tour of England.
In the 2025 Ranji Trophy season, Sarfaraz Khan was Mumbai’s third-highest run-scorer, amassing 429 runs in seven matches at an average of 53.62. His overall first-class batting average stands at 64.73, which ranks among the highest for players with at least 50 innings batted. This consistent domestic performance has led to his inclusion back into the national Test side.
The two-Test series against Sri Lanka is slated to commence on August 15. The opening Test is scheduled to be held in Galle. The Indian squad for this series, led by Shubman Gill, includes prominent players such as KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, and Sarfaraz Khan.
The national selectors have opted for Sarfaraz Khan’s aggressive batting style and proven domestic record to bolster the middle order, especially in the absence of Sudharsan. The return of the young Mumbai batter is seen as a significant development for the Indian team as they prepare for the challenges posed by the Sri Lankan side on their home turf.
The BCCI’s decision to bring Sarfaraz back into the fold highlights the selectors’ confidence in his capabilities to perform at the international level. His inclusion is expected to add depth and competition within the squad, providing captain Shubman Gill with more options in the batting lineup. The series against Sri Lanka presents an opportunity for Sarfaraz to cement his place in the Test team.
The squad composition suggests a balance between experienced campaigners and emerging talents, with the focus on building a formidable unit for future assignments. The rehabilitation progress of B. Sai Sudharsan will be closely monitored, and his potential return to competitive cricket will be subject to medical clearance. For now, Sarfaraz Khan is set to don the Test whites once again.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
