Sarfaraz Khan Replaces Injured Sai Sudharsan for Sri Lanka Tests

The Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan has been named as a replacement for injured Sai Sudharsan for the upcoming two-match test series against Sri Lanka starting in the second week of August. freshyourfeel.org

The left-hander has been ruled out after sustaining a toe injury during India’s A tour last month and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Sai Sudharsan has shown notable progress during his recovery, with its medical staff closely monitoring his progress.

The Men’s selection Committee has named Sarfaraz Khan as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan for the two-match test series against Sri Lanka, ” said the BCCI in a release.

“He will link up with the Indian squad in Colombo before the team travels to Galle for the first test match, starting August 15, 2026.”

On the other hand, 28-year-old Sarfaraz Khan has featured in six Tests, with his most recent appearance coming against New Zealand in Mumbai in 2024.

In 11 innings, he has a century and three fifties to his name. He also had an impressive Ranji Trophy in 2025-26, scoring 429 runs in nine innings at an average of 53.62.

Sarfaraz Khan has been named in the West Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy, which is set to begin August 23, and will coincide with Sri Lanka tests. He also missed the last edition of the Duleep Trophy due to injury.

Moreover, Sarfaraz Khan hasn’t played professional cricket since playing for Sarfaraz Khan in the IPL 2026 earlier this year.

In the absence of Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal will be front runner to play at No.3 after an impressive century in a practice game against SLC XI.

India’s Updated Squad: Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Sarfaraz Khan

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill struck useful runs at the top of the order before Mohammed Siraj's late blitz helped India beat Sri Lanka Cricket XI by six wickets in their three-day warm-up game here on Sunday. Chasing 207 for victory, India completed the target in 45 overs, finishing on 214 for four with Siraj smashing 32 off just 15 balls, including three successive sixes, to bring the game to an emphatic end. Jaiswal, who had fallen for a duck in India's first innings, responded in style with a quickfire 61 off 46 balls.

He and Gill put on exactly 105 for the opening wicket to give India a flying start to their chase. Jaiswal retired after reaching his half-century to allow his teammates valuable time in the middle. Gill, returning to action after missing the first two days of the fixture with a finger injury, made a useful 44 before being dismissed by spinner Keshara Nuwantha. His return to the middle was a significant positive for India ahead of the opening Test against Sri Lanka. Dhruv Jurel chipped in with 17, while Rishabh Pant made a patient 28 before India were briefly reduced to 155 for three.

But the target was never in serious danger, with the lower order completing the chase in the final session. Siraj then provided the fireworks, hitting three consecutive sixes to finish the game in style. Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket XI declared their second innings at 200 for six in 45 overs, leaving India a target of 207. Opener Nishan Madushka, who had also scored a half-century in the first innings, top-scored with 63 off 73 balls, while Nipun Dhananjaya made 46 and Anjala Bandara contributed 35.

Ravindra Jadeja and Gurnoor Brar claimed two wickets each for India, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna took one apiece. India had earlier declared their first innings at 357 for six after Sri Lanka XI posted 363 for eight declared. Devdutt Padikkal was the star of India's first-innings effort with an unbeaten 142, while Jadeja scored 63 and Manav Suthar contributed 41. Gurnoor Brar remained unbeaten on 36 as India finished just six runs behind the hosts.

The warm-up game provided India with useful match practice ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with the first match scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15. For India, the return of captain Gill to competitive action, Jaiswal's brisk second-innings fifty and Padikkal's century were among the major positives from the three-day fixture.

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New Delhi [India], August 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised boxer Lovlina Borgohain for raising an objection over a distorted map of India displayed at a restaurant in Glasgow during the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Borgohain also shared her experience of the Commonwealth Games 2026 with the Prime Minister during an interaction with India’s medal winners at his residence, highlighting the country’s historic performance in boxing.

In a video posted on his YouTube handle on Monday, PM Modi praised Lovlina’s spirit and recalled a moment from the Games where she showcased her pride for the country.

During the interaction, PM Modi asked Lovlina about an incident involving restaurant staff during the Games. The distorted Indian map came to light after the boxer raised the matter during a visit to the eatery in Glasgow.

“What happened? Were you fighting with the restaurant people?" PM Modi asked.

Lovlina explained that after India’s strong performance on the final day of the competition, with several athletes winning medals, she felt emotional and requested a change.

“Our performance was so good, and it was the last day. Everyone had won, and there were so many Indians there. I felt a bit bad (about the situation), so I spoke to them firmly and made a request, sir. They agreed, and things have changed now," Lovlina said.

PM Modi praised the moment, saying it reflected a deep sense of national pride among athletes beyond just winning medals.

“In that moment of victory–happiness, joy, being with teammates after the games are over–in such a mood of fun and laughter, to look at that map and register it… the feeling for the country isn’t just on the surface while receiving a medal; it’s deep within. I’m telling the truth, this video of yours is extraordinary. People will remember it for a long time," PM Modi said.

Praising the performance of Indian boxers at the Games, PM Modi said, “Now athletes from all over the world are becoming afraid of these boxers!"

Lovlina responded by saying that Indian boxers had created a strong impact with their consistent performances.

“Definitely, everyone was scared. One gold medal after another was coming in. It was like a total blast at the end. The support we are getting, and the back-to-back competitions we have are big factors," she said.

The Olympic medallist also credited the Khelo India initiative for helping young athletes emerge and strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem.

“Many of our young athletes have come through the Khelo India scheme, and that is bringing a huge change to all sports," Lovlina added.

India scripted history in boxing at the Commonwealth Games 2026, topping the medal standings with seven gold and three silver medals.

The 10-medal haul became India’s best-ever boxing performance at the Commonwealth Games, surpassing the previous record of six gold medals jointly held by England (1934 and 2018) and Canada (1986).

India ended its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze, to finish fourth in the overall medal standings.

The Glasgow Games concluded after 11 days of competition, with Scotland formally handing over the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India, which will host the landmark centenary edition of the multi-sport event in Ahmedabad in 2030. (ANI)

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