India have suffered another setback ahead of their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with No. 3 batter Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the tour due to a toe injury. Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan and Andhra Pradesh's Shaik Rasheed are reportedly among the leading contenders to replace him in the Test squad.

India will begin the series on August 15 in Galle, with the second Test scheduled to start on August 23. The team is already dealing with several injury concerns, with Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar also unavailable for the series.

Sudharsan Ruled Out

According to a PTI report, Sudharsan has not recovered sufficiently from a big-toe injury sustained during India's A tour of Sri Lanka last month.

The batter has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The board's sports science and medical team has advised him to allow more time for the injury to heal fully before returning to Test cricket.

The assessment reportedly noted significant improvement but said the recovery was not yet sufficient for a safe return to competitive cricket.

Sudharsan had established himself as an important option in India's Test batting line-up and his absence leaves the team with another selection decision ahead of the opening Test.

Sarfaraz Among Replacement Options

With Sudharsan unavailable, Sarfaraz Khan has emerged as one of the leading candidates to be added to the squad, according to reports.

Andhra Pradesh batter Shaik Rasheed is also reportedly in contention for a place in the squad.

Sarfaraz has already represented India in Test cricket and has a first-class record that has kept him in consideration for the national team. Rasheed, meanwhile, is regarded as one of the emerging batting options from India's domestic system.

Padikkal Scores Century

While India are yet to formally announce Sudharsan's replacement, Devdutt Padikkal strengthened his own case for the No. 3 position with a century in the ongoing warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo.

Padikkal scored 103 runs from 121 deliveries on the second day of the three-day practice match.

He came to the crease after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck and shared a 96-run partnership with KL Rahul. Rahul scored 40 before being bowled, while Padikkal continued to reach his century before retiring out.

His performance has given the team management another option for the opening Test.

Bumrah Also Unavailable

India's injury concerns extend beyond the batting department. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has already been ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series.

Reports indicate that Bumrah has continued to experience discomfort in his left knee and has been advised to remain out of competitive cricket until he makes a full recovery.

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has subsequently received his maiden India call-up as Bumrah's replacement.

The development provides the young fast bowler with an opportunity to join the Test squad during an important overseas assignment.

Gill Suffers Thumb Injury

India captain Shubman Gill also picked up an injury scare during a practice session in Colombo.

Gill was reportedly struck on his right thumb by a delivery from a fast bowler during the team's net session on Thursday. He left the nets to consult the medical staff but later returned to training.

The injury has not been described as serious, although the Indian team will continue to monitor his condition ahead of the first Test.

India Face Selection Challenges

With Sudharsan ruled out and Bumrah unavailable, India's preparations for the Sri Lanka series have been disrupted by injuries.

The ongoing warm-up match is therefore particularly important for players competing for places in the final XI. Padikkal's century has strengthened his case, while the potential inclusion of Sarfaraz Khan or Shaik Rasheed could give India additional depth in the batting department.

The first Test in Galle on August 15 will provide the clearest indication of how India manage the latest changes to their squad.