Team India batter Sai Sudharsan is reportedly uncertain for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, after picking up a shoulder injury during the series opener. India suffered a five-wicket defeat in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, where England chased down a target of 371 in the fourth innings under Ben Stokes’ leadership.
Sudharsan showed shoulder discomfort on Day 5 and left the field, later replaced by Nitish Kumar Reddy, who took a sharp catch to dismiss Ben Duckett. Sudharsan didn’t return, and his availability for the next Test is uncertain. Jasprit Bumrah also missed the end of the third session, while Rishabh Pant battled minor injuries throughout the match.
“Sai Sudarshan is not completely fit for the next match right now. He seems to be in some problem on the last day during fielding. He has a slight problem in his shoulder. Will keep you updated if things will be fine before next game,” the update read.
With Sudharsan in doubt, India could promote Karun Nair to No. 3 and strengthen the lower middle-order with Nitish Kumar Reddy, or opt for an extra all-rounder or bowler. Alternatively, Abhimanyu Easwaran offers a like-for-like replacement in the top order. Notably, Sudharsan had undergone surgery for a sports hernia in late 2024.
Sudharsan Scores 0 And 30 In Maiden Test Appearance vs England
Following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, left-hander Sai Sudharsan was handed the key No. 3 position in the batting order. Fresh off winning the Orange Cap in the 2025 IPL, he received his maiden Test cap from Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of the first Test.
Sudharsan had a tough start to his Test career, falling for a duck on Day 1 after chasing a leg-side delivery from Ben Stokes. However, he showed greater composure in the second innings, scoring a steady 30 before being dismissed once again by the England captain.
The second Test of the series is set to begin on Wednesday, July 2, after a week-long break following the first match.
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