Sai Sudharsan Out of Vijay Hazare Trophy After Rib Fracture, IPL Prospects Unaffected
Digital Desk
A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source confirmed that Sudharsan fractured the 7th right rib (anterior cortex) while diving to complete a run. Following the incident, he reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on December 29 for scans, which confirmed the fracture. Doctors have advised a recovery period of six to eight weeks, with Sudharsan currently focusing on lower body strength and conditioning. Upper body training is expected to resume in the next seven to ten days.
“This type of injury usually requires careful rehabilitation to avoid long-term complications,” said a medical official familiar with the case. “Sai is following a structured recovery program and is expected to return to competitive cricket once fully fit.”
The injury is at the same spot where Sudharsan had previously sustained a minor rib strain during a net session earlier in the tournament. This recurrence underscores the physical challenges faced by young cricketers who consistently participate in high-intensity domestic and international matches.
Sudharsan, who last played for India in the Test series against South Africa in Guwahati from November 22 to 26, 2024, was not part of the recent white-ball series. His recent Test performances had been underwhelming, with low scores in nine of his 11 innings, increasing the pressure on him to bounce back.
Despite the setback in domestic cricket, Sudharsan is expected to be available for the Gujarat Titans in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, provided his rehabilitation progresses as planned. Team management and medical staff will continue monitoring his fitness closely to ensure he is match-ready for the high-intensity T20 tournament.
This injury highlights the need for careful workload management for young Indian cricketers balancing domestic tournaments and the international calendar. Tamil Nadu will have to adjust its batting line-up for the remaining Vijay Hazare Trophy matches without Sudharsan, while the IPL franchises await his return for the lucrative league.
