Sudharsan on Course to Link Up with Team Before First Test

Sai Sudharsan, who was notably absent when the Indian cricket team departed from Mumbai for Sri Lanka on Tuesday (August 4), is expected to join his teammates in Colombo by Saturday (August 8). The left-handed batsman is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a minor niggle and is on track to regain full fitness before the first Test begins on August 15.

Injury Update and Recovery Progress

Sudharsan, 24, is understood to be nursing a niggle in his big toe. However, he has resumed batting at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and is expected to receive the all-clear from the CoE's medical staff to join the squad in the island nation. As previously reported, Sudharsan had told close friends that he would fly out 'later this week'.

The timing means he will miss the three-day warm-up match, which begins on Friday (August 7). However, his expected arrival by the weekend ensures he will have adequate time to prepare before the opening Test.

Key Member of Test Side

A prolific white-ball batter, Sudharsan is also regarded as a key member of Shubman Gill's Test side, particularly at No. 3. The Tamil Nadu and Gujarat batter has featured in seven Tests and scored 383 runs at an average of 39 with three half centuries.

Squad Preparations Underway

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the Indian squad in Sri Lanka has been accompanied by four net bowlers. In a statement, the BCCI said: "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 Indian team held its first training session at the NCC Ground on Wednesday (August 5), a day after arriving in Sri Lanka. Following the conclusion of the three-day warm-up match in Colombo on August 9, the team will travel to Galle for the opening Test. The second Test, beginning on August 23, will be played in Colombo.