Former Indian player Kris Srikkanth showed his disappointment at Sai Sudharsan missing the opening Test against Sri Lanka at Galle due to injury as well. Amid Devdutt Padikkal replacing him at No.3 and scoring a brilliant century, Srikkanth said that Sai will struggle to return to the team as well.

Talking about Padikkal’s knock, Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, Cheeky Cheeka: “Now Sai Sudarshan is going to be in trouble. While he has done well at No.3, Padikkal has cemented that spot now. This is where Sai could ill afford to miss a game, citing injury. I won’t accept the excuses of too much cricket being played. You have to keep yourself fit. Now Padikkal can’t be dropped, and Sai will suffer because of this injury absence. For Sai to come back, it’s going to be that much more difficult.”

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“What a comeback by Padikkal. His batting has such elegance. He hasn’t let go of his incredible form from domestic cricket to the IPL. His drives and cuts are superb, full of fluency. It also shows that those who shine at the domestic level are doing well for India as well. Now performances in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy will be taken up seriously. Just doing well in the IPL to play for India won’t happen,” he further added.

Kris Srikkanth also believes that playing three formats in a tough schedule cannot be a reason for the Indian players’ string of injuries. Besides Sai, Team India is currently struggling with injuries as they are playing without Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar for the Sri Lankan Test series as well.

“I don’t buy the excuse that playing all formats leads to injuries. Virat Kohli played all formats and never struggled for fitness. He is just an example. There are many who’ve played all three formats and never had problems. It’s how you take care of your body and make yourself mentally strong. That’s the price you pay for all the popularity you gain through the sport,” Kris Srikkanth concluded.