Reports say Sai Sudharsan has not travelled with the Indian team to Sri Lanka and is instead continuing his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

The left-hander is expected to resume batting at full intensity later this week, with the medical staff closely monitoring his progress.

A report on starthenindu.com hinted that the team management is hopeful that, if everything goes according to plan, Sudharsan will be cleared to join the squad in Sri Lanka in time for the three-day practice game later this week.

According to sources in the CoE, rather than rushing his return, the focus remains on ensuring he completes the final stages of his rehabilitation and is fully match-ready before being thrown into the rigours of Test cricket.

The practice fixture is expected to play a key role in assessing Sudharsan’s readiness. Should he come through the batting sessions at the CoE without any discomfort, the management is likely to clear him to travel and use the game as his final fitness test ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Given India’s long-term plans for the talented left-hander in the Test setup, the emphasis is on returning only when he is physically ready, even if it means a delayed arrival with the squad.

The rest of the squad reached Colombo on Tuesday, well in time for the practice game, beginning on Friday.