IND vs ENG- Big Blow To India! Gujarat Titans' Star Batter Likely To Miss 2nd Test Due To Injury: Report

IND vs ENG: Sai Sudharsan's much-anticipated Test debut at Headingley didn't unfold as hoped-and now, the young Indian batter might be forced to miss the second Test at Edgbaston due to a shoulder injury sustained while fielding on Day 5.

According to RevSportz, Sudharsan is currently not fully fit, with discomfort in his shoulder raising doubts over his availability for the next match in the five-Test series against England.

The 22-year-old left-hander, who was handed his first Test cap at Headingley, had a quiet outing with the bat, scoring a duck in the first innings and 30 in the second. Though he showed promise in a brief partnership with KL Rahul in the second innings, his debut performance fell short of expectations, particularly at the crucial No. 3 spot once owned by Cheteshwar Pujara and later by new captain Shubman Gill.

Sudharsan's injury became apparent late on Day 5, when he left the field while India were desperately trying to defend their 371-run target. Nitish Kumar Reddy replaced him as a substitute and made an immediate impact, taking a fine catch to dismiss Ben Duckett. Meanwhile, Sudharsan remained on the sidelines, sparking concerns about his fitness.

The report said that Sudharsan is not completely fit for the next match as things stand. He seemed to be in some discomfort during fielding on the final day and has a minor shoulder issue.

With Sudharsan in doubt, India have several selection options for the Edgbaston Test. Karun Nair, who returned to the playing XI in Leeds, could be promoted to No. 3, allowing the team to add depth in the lower middle order or bolster the bowling unit with an extra all-rounder. Reddy, who impressed as a substitute, could also be in contention for a starting spot.

In the Headingley Test, Sudharsan walked in at 91/1 in the first innings but lasted just four balls before being dismissed by England skipper Ben Stokes. He showed more resilience in the second innings, sharing a 66-run stand with Rahul before falling to Stokes again.

The selectors and coaching staff have admired Sudharsan's solid technique and temperament, especially his defensive skills, which are seen as crucial in the longer format. But if he fails to recover in time for Edgbaston, the door may open for others to stake their claim-possibly pushing Sudharsan down the pecking order ahead of the iconic Lord's Test, a match he would be desperate to play.

With the series already off to a rocky start for India following their five-wicket loss in Leeds, team management will be keeping a close watch on the fitness updates ahead of the crucial second Test starting July 2.