Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Sai Sudarshan’s fitness could become a matter of concern for Shubman Gill and his team ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Ashwin feels that the absence of Sai Sudarshan could hurt India as the young batsman has been in great form and already has the experience of playing in Sri Lankan conditions.
India will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series, with the first Test starting on August 15 in Galle. Sudarshan has been included in India’s 15-member squad, but his final selection depends on his fitness clearance from the BCCI Center of Excellence. Meanwhile, BCCI has appointed Subhadeep Ghosh as the new fielding coach of India ahead of Sri Lanka.
Sai Sudarshan’s brilliant performance for India A in Sri Lanka
Sai Sudarshan is currently recovering from a minor injury, although the exact details have not been shared by the board and selectors. He impressed everyone with his brilliant performances for India A during the Sri Lanka tour. The left-handed batsman showed great confidence against the Sri Lankan bowling attack and performed very well in gusty conditions.
Sai Sudarshan finished as the leading run-scorer in the India A series with 332 runs at an average of 166 in four innings. He also scored two centuries, including one at Galle, the same venue where India would play its first Test against Sri Lanka.
Ashwin feels Sudarshan’s absence could be a big loss for India
And that is why Ravichandran Ashwin feels that the presence of Sai Sudarshan will be a big advantage for India. His confidence is high and he has also shown that he can play spin bowling well.
However, if Sai Sudarshan misses the first Test, India still have another talented option in Devdutt Padikkal. Ashwin believes that if Padikkal gets a chance in the playing eleven, he will also perform well.
Ravichandran Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel ‘Aish Ki Baat’, “Sai Sudarshan’s fitness can be a big loss for India. He scored two centuries in the India A series and scored one wicket. If he is fit, it can be beneficial for India.”
“His confidence will be high and he is also a good player of spin. I hope he is fit. But Padikkal will get a chance in his place and that is not a bad thing. He has also done well in first class. It is a matter of happiness for both of them.”
Ravichandran Ashwin gives important advice on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload
Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness is another big concern ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series, as his availability also depends on his fitness clearance. Bumrah is recovering from a knee problem which he suffered while fielding during the second ODI against England.
Ashwin believes that India should be very wary of Bumrah and not rush to recall him, especially in subcontinental conditions where spinners usually play a bigger role.
He believes that India’s priority should be to keep Bumrah fresh for major events like the 2027 ODI World Cup, 2028 Olympics and T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Deep Dasgupta expressed concern over Abhishek Sharma’s worrying form.
Jasprit Bumrah should be saved for big tournaments: Ashwin
The former Indian all-rounder also believes that Bumrah does not need to play every Test match in India or other spin-friendly conditions. “The fresher we keep him for big tournaments and overseas tours, the better he will be. So, I would not be too worried. I don’t think there is a need to play him in Sri Lanka,” he said.
Ashwin said, “I am not saying this tour is not important for the WTC cycle, but Sri Lanka is a spinner-dependent tour where his role may be reduced. If he is not fully fit, I will not risk it, because my priority is the 50-over World Cup. He has had a few injuries recently, and with the history, it is better to play it safe. If the injury aggravates, the comeback will take a longer time.”
