Sarfaraz Khan Gets India Recall After Sai Sudharsan Injury
India have turned to Sarfaraz Khan to replace the injured Sai Sudharsan in their Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, handing the Mumbai batter another opportunity to revive his international career.
Sudharsan was ruled out after suffering a right toe stress reaction, leaving India short of options in the middle order. Sarfaraz has now been added to the 15-member squad ahead of the first Test in Galle on August 15.
The call-up also comes with encouraging news regarding captain Shubman Gill, who has been declared fit after missing India's first innings in the tour game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI.
Sarfaraz Returns to the Test Squad
Sarfaraz last played Test cricket in 2024, the same year he made his international debut.
The 28-year-old has appeared in six Tests, scoring 371 runs at an average of 37.10, including one century and three fifties.
He was part of India's squad for the 2024-25 tour of Australia but did not make an appearance. He was subsequently left out of the Test squad for India's tour of England.
His latest recall gives him another chance to establish himself in India's long-term Test plans.
Strong First-Class Record Works in His Favour
Sarfaraz's selection is supported by an impressive record in domestic cricket.
He scored 429 runs in seven matches for Mumbai during the 2025 Ranji Trophy season at an average of 53.62.
His overall first-class record is even more striking. Sarfaraz averages more than 64 with the bat, placing him among the most prolific run-scorers in the format among players with at least 50 innings.
With India facing several injury problems, his ability to produce big scores in domestic cricket has once again brought him into the selectors' plans.
India Continue to Deal With Injury Problems
Sarfaraz's recall comes after a difficult period for India's Test squad.
Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar are among the notable absentees, while Sudharsan has now joined the injury list.
The visitors have also had concerns surrounding their captain, but Gill's latest appearance in the warm-up match has eased those fears.
Gill was rested from India's first innings as a precaution after picking up a finger issue during training. He returned in the second innings and scored 44 from 54 deliveries.
Gill Declared Ready for Galle
India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule confirmed that there are no major concerns surrounding Gill's fitness.
The India captain has continued training with the squad and is expected to lead the team in the opening Test.
"Gill has been absolutely fine," Bahutule said after the tour game.
Gill's availability is particularly important given the number of changes already forced upon India's squad before the series.
What Happens to India's No. 3 Spot?
The biggest selection question now revolves around who replaces Sudharsan in the playing XI.
Devdutt Padikkal strengthened his case with a century in the tour match after batting at No. 3, while Sarfaraz's inclusion gives India another specialist middle-order option.
The team management therefore has several possibilities to consider before the Galle Test.
Sarfaraz's previous Test experience could work in his favour, but Padikkal's recent form means the competition for the position is far from settled.
Why This Matters
India's Test squad has been stretched by injuries at a crucial stage of the World Test Championship cycle.
Sarfaraz's recall provides the selectors with an experienced domestic performer at a time when India need stability in their batting order. For the Mumbai batter, meanwhile, this could be a significant opportunity to restart a Test career that appeared to have stalled after his promising debut season.
The first Test begins in Galle on August 15, with the second match scheduled for August 23 at the SSC in Colombo.
India currently sit fifth in the World Test Championship standings and will be looking for a strong start to the series.
