3 players who can replace injured Shubman Gill in India's Test squad

India suffered a major injury scare ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after skipper Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right finger during a training session. As a precaution, Gill did not take the field on Day 1 of India's three-day warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) XI.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the 26-year-old is being closely monitored by their medical staff, although there has been no official word yet on the severity of the injury. If Gill is ruled out of the series, the selectors will have to bring in a replacement capable of strengthening India's batting unit.

Sarfaraz Khan remains one of the strongest contenders for a recall to the Indian Test side. The Mumbai batter last represented India during the home Test series against New Zealand in 2024, where he finished as India's third-highest run-scorer with 171 runs in six innings, including a memorable century in the opening Bengaluru Test.

Although a string of low scores eventually cost him his place in the side, Sarfaraz has continued to pile on runs in domestic cricket. During the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, he scored 429 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 53.62. Known for his ability to dominate spin bowling and score freely through unconventional strokes, Sarfaraz's experience in Indian conditions could make him a valuable addition if India require a middle-order batter.