Sarfaraz Khan Named Sai Sudharsan's Injury Replacement for Sri Lanka Tests Sarfaraz Khan has been officially named as the replacement for Sai Sudharsan in the Indian cricket team’s squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, set to begin on August 15. The decision comes after Sudharsan sustained a right toe stress reaction, which has kept him out of action and is currently being addressed at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The BCCI confirmed that Sudharsan has made significant progress in his recovery but is unlikely to be available for the Tests. Khan, a left-handed batsman and occasional off-spin bowler, will join the squad ahead of the team’s departure to Galle for the first Test. This call-up marks his return to international cricket after a prolonged absence. His most recent Test appearance was during India’s home series against New Zealand in 2024, where he scored one century and three fifties in 11 innings. The 32-year-old’s inclusion is also a reward for his strong performance in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, where he amassed 429 runs in nine innings at an average of 53.62. The updated India squad for the Sri Lanka Tests includes Shubman Gill as captain, KL Rahul as vice-captain, and Devdutt Padikkal as a key player. Padikkal is expected to take on the No. 3 batting role, especially after his impressive century in a practice game against the Sri Lanka Cricket League XI. The squad also features Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj, with young talents like Gurnoor Brar and Saransh Jain added for depth. Khan’s inclusion comes with some logistical challenges. He was previously named in the West Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy, which overlaps with the Sri Lanka Tests.#bcci #chennai_super_kings #sarfaraz_khan #sai_sudharsan #srilanka
Jammu and Kashmir's Akib Nabi Selected for India's Test Team Amid Jasprit Bumrah Injury Jammu and Kashmir's cricketer Akib Nabi has been selected for India's senior Test team for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, replacing injured fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The decision follows Bumrah's ongoing recovery from a left knee injury sustained during the England series, which has left him unfit for the two Test matches against Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Nabi's inclusion, marking his first appearance in the senior Indian squad. Nabi, a right-handed medium-pacer, has made a name for himself in domestic cricket. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, he claimed 104 wickets, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy title win. His performances also earned him a place in the India-A squad for the Sri Lanka tour, where he took six wickets in two first-class matches. If selected for the Test squad, Nabi will become Jammu and Kashmir's first Test cricketer. Nabi's journey to the national team has been marked by perseverance. He made his first-class debut in 2020 and has since taken 162 wickets in 43 matches, with a best of seven wickets for 24 runs. His consistency in domestic cricket, including a hat-trick in the Delhi State Cricket Association tournament, has drawn attention from selectors. Despite a lackluster IPL 2025 campaign with Delhi Capitals—where he failed to take a wicket in five matches—Nabi's economy bowling and disciplined approach have kept him in the spotlight. Nabi's determination is rooted in his upbringing. Born in Bara Muqam, Jammu and Kashmir, he grew up in a family with limited resources.#jasprit_bumrah #jammu_and_kashmir #board_of_control_for_crickey_in_india #srilanka #akib_nabi
Tilak Varma Appointed India 'A' Captain for Sri Lanka Series, Receives Vice-Captaincy in T20 Team The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has assigned key leadership responsibilities to young cricketer Tilak Varma, including captaincy of the India 'A' team for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Varma, a Hyderabad-based batter, will lead the team in the multi-nation T20 series against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan 'A' teams, which will take place from June 9 to June 21, 2026, at the iconic Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka. The tournament will follow a double-round-robin format, with each team facing the other two teams twice. The top two teams will advance to a final on June 21, with two points awarded for a win and one point for a draw. Varma’s appointment marks a significant milestone in his career, as he will also serve as vice-captain of the senior India T20 team for the upcoming Ireland and England series. His role as captain of the India 'A' team comes after his successful leadership in previous tournaments, including the Emerging Asia Cup 2024 in Oman, where he guided the India 'A' team to a 2-1 victory over South Africa 'A' in a three-match ODI series. The decision to name Varma as captain was influenced by his close relationship with senior player Rohit Sharma, who provided guidance on leadership and decision-making under pressure. In an interview with Revsportz, Varma highlighted Sharma’s mentorship, stating, “Rohit bhai taught me how to handle intense pressure, from making crucial decisions to focusing on small details. His advice will be instrumental in the upcoming matches.#rohit_sharma #tilak_varma #board_of_control_for_crickey_in_india #rangiri_dambulla_international_stadium #srilanka
