Young India batter Sai Sudharsan is making encouraging progress in his recovery ahead of the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka. The left-hander has resumed batting at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, boosting his chances of being fully fit before Team India departs for Colombo on August 4. The BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket have also revised India’s pre-series schedule for the two-Test assignment. The warm-up match at the NCC Ground in Colombo has been shortened from four days to three, and will now be played from August 7 to 9.

The fixture will also be broadcast live, giving the visitors valuable match practice before the first Test in Galle on August 15. India were initially scheduled to play a four-day warm-up game against a Sri Lanka XI in Colombo. However, according to reports, the BCCI, the Indian team management and Sri Lanka Cricket agreed to reduce the contest to three days. While the exact reason for the change has not been disclosed, all stakeholders were informed well in advance before the squad’s departure.

The shorter practice game should still provide Shubman Gill’s side with an important red-ball tune-up ahead of the main series. India last played a Test in June, so the warm-up will help the players regain match rhythm before the opening Test in Galle. After the three-day fixture ends on August 9, the squad will travel to Galle for the series opener. The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 23 at the SSC Stadium in Colombo.

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Sai Sudharsan was named in India’s 15-member Test squad, subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The left-handed batter had been recovering from a minor big toe injury in Bengaluru, but his return to batting in the nets is a positive sign for the team management. Although the board has not publicly revealed the exact nature of the injury, it is understood to be a minor issue rather than a long-term concern.

Sai Sudharsan, nursing a toe niggle, is understood to be progressing well in the build-up to the Sri Lanka Tests 🤞 pic.twitter.com/Lux8EPJHuk

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) August 1, 2026

Sudharsan’s recent form has already strengthened his case for a place in the Test side. During the India A tour of Sri Lanka in June and July, he was the leading run-scorer with 332 runs in four innings at a remarkable average of 166. He also struck two centuries, both in Galle, giving him valuable experience at the venue where India will begin the Test series.

Jasprit Bumrah was also picked subject to fitness after recovering from a knee issue, and he too has been making steady progress at the Centre of Excellence. The medical staff remain hopeful that India’s pace spearhead will be available for the opening Test in Galle.

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India currently sit fifth in the 2025-27 World Test Championship standings, with four wins from nine matches. After drawing 2-2 in England, beating West Indies 2-0 at home and suffering a 0-2 defeat to South Africa, Shubman Gill’s side now faces a crucial stretch. With difficult tours of New Zealand and Australia still ahead, the Sri Lanka series could prove decisive in India’s bid to finish in the top two and stay on course for the World Test Championship final.