Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reckons Sai Sudharsan’s availability will hold the key for India in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Sudharsan has picked in India’s 15-man squad but his selection is subject to fitness clearance from BCCI’s CoE.
The left-hander’s exact injury is unknown but he is reported to be recovering from an undisclosed minor issue.
Meanwhile, Sudharsan scored 722 runs in 17 matches of IPL 2026 and played a key role in helping Gujarat Titans qualify for the final. The left-hander has scored 383 runs in seven matches at an average of 31.92 and thus he hasn’t yet nailed the number three spot.
However, Sudharsan recently played for India A on the tour of Sri Lanka. The southpaw scored 332 runs in two unofficial Test matches at an average of 166 and ended the series as the highest run-getter against Sri Lanka A.
“Sai Sudarshan’s fitness can be a big loss for India. He scored two hundreds in the India A series, and one came at Galle. If he is fit, it can be an advantage for India. His confidence will be high, and he is a good player of spin too. I hope he is fit. But Padikkal will get a chance in his place, and that is also not a bad thing. He has also done well in first-class. Happy for both of them,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah recently suffered a knee injury and could not play in the third ODI against England. Bumrah has been included in the squad for the Sri Lanka tour but his selection is also subject to fitness clearance. Ashwin urged the team management to use Bumrah with guile.
“I would think the more carefully we can handle Jasprit Bumrah, especially on sub-continental tours, the fewer test matches we can give him, the better. I think we have to try to extend his career. There is a 50-over World Cup in 2027, the Olympics in 2028 and the T20 World Cup as well. The fresher we keep him for the big tournaments and away tours, the better. So I would not be too fussed. I don’t think there is a need to play him in Sri Lanka. I am not saying this tour is not important for the WTC cycle, but Sri Lanka is a spinner-dependent tour where his role can be less. If he is not entirely fit, I will not risk it, as my priority is the 50-over World Cup,” he explained.
Ashwin said Bumrah should play three Test matches in a five-match series and, at most, he can play four matches if he is feeling fine.
“Realistically, in sub-continental conditions, giving him 5 test matches in India against Australia is almost impossible in my view. He can play 3 matches. If his body is feeling okay, he can play 4 matches. He has recently had some injury and with a history, it is better to protect him. If the injury aggravates, it will take a longer time to return.”
The first Test match between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Galle from August 15 onwards.
