Rib fracture rules Sai Sudharsan out of Vijay Hazare Trophy

Published - 03 Jan 2026, 11:27 IST | Updated - 03 Jan 2026, 11:27 IST

Top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the rest of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 after sustaining a rib fracture. The injury took place while the batter was diving to complete a run during the Round 1 game of the Elite Group A between Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh at the Gujarat College Ground, Ahmedabad.

Later, Sudharsan was kept under medical observation. Scans taken thereafter revealed that the cricketer had experienced a slender, undisplaced fracture of the anterior cortex of the right seventh rib. As a result, he could not take part in the next three rounds of the ongoing 50-over competition, and now, is set to miss the remainder of the tournament, adding woes to Tamil Nadu's start-stop campaign in this season.

The BCCI's Centre of Excellence briefed details regarding his routine to recuperate from the injury. The left-handed batter, who made his Test debut during mid-2025, is currently undergoing his rehabilitation in Bengaluru, with focus on building his lower-body. He will soon undertake the strength and conditioning for his upper body, ensuring a steady recovery and smooth return to cricket.

"Sai is undertaking lower-body strength and conditioning work with appropriate protection to the injured rib to facilitate healing, and he has responded well to the program. Upper-body training will be introduced once acute symptoms settle over the next seven to ten days, following which he will be gradually progressed into a structured upper-body strength and conditioning program," CoE reported.

Despite the injury setback, Sudharsan looks well on track to be in action for the remaining rounds of the Ranji Trophy, followed by the 2026 Indian Premier League. Sudharsan won the Orange Cap last season while representing the Gujarat Titans, and the franchise will be hoping that the Sudharsan recovers as soon as possible. The opener was among the many players retained by the 2022 champions, and will look to make a mark in the upcoming edition as well.