Indian batter Sai Sudharsan, who was notably absent when the team departed Mumbai for Sri Lanka on Tuesday, August 4, is expected to link up with his teammates in Colombo by Saturday, August 8.

Recovery and Timeline

Sudharsan has been undergoing rehabilitation for a minor niggle in his big toe. He has since resumed batting at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and is awaiting the final medical all-clear to travel. While he is on track to regain full fitness before the first Test on August 15, his delayed arrival means he will miss the three-day warm-up match starting Friday, August 7.

According to reports, the 24-year-old had previously mentioned to close friends that he would fly out "later this week," and his arrival by the weekend confirms that timeline.

Squad Support and Preparations

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also confirmed the addition of four net bowlers to assist the squad in their preparations. In an official statement, the BCCI noted: "Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Tanush Kotian and Vipraj Nigam have joined the Indian squad as net bowlers to assist the team in the build-up to the first Test against Sri Lanka."

The team has already commenced its preparations, holding its first training session at the NCC Ground on Wednesday, August 5. Following the conclusion of the warm-up match on August 9, the squad will travel to Galle for the series opener. The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 23 in Colombo.

Player Profile

Regarded as a key component of the batting lineup, particularly at No. 3, Sudharsan has a solid Test record with 383 runs across seven matches, averaging 39 and recording three half-centuries.