Sai Sudharsan Faces Setback with Rib Fracture, Expected to Recover for IPL 2026
In a blow to Tamil Nadu's Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign and potentially the Gujarat Titans' pre-season preparations, young Indian batter Sai Sudharsan has suffered a rib fracture. The injury, sustained during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh on December 26, is expected to sideline the left-handed batsman for approximately six weeks.
Sudharsan sustained the injury while diving to complete a run. The blow resulted in "a slender, undisplaced fracture of the anterior cortex of the right seventh rib". According to reports, the discomfort in the same area had started a week prior, when he was hit while batting in the nets. Despite the initial discomfort, he continued to play, until the incident during the match against Madhya Pradesh exacerbated the injury.
The 24-year-old, who has represented India in six Tests and three ODIs, has reported to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on December 29 for treatment and rehabilitation. While this injury will likely keep him out of the rest of the Vijay Hazare Trophy and potentially some Ranji Trophy matches, there is optimism that he will recover in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
According to a source, Sudharsan is currently focusing on lower-body strength and conditioning exercises, while protecting the injured rib to allow for healing. Upper-body training will be introduced once the acute symptoms subside, which is expected to be within the next 7 to 10 days. Following this, he will gradually progress to a structured upper-body strength and conditioning program. Medical professionals suggest that rib fractures of this nature typically require six to eight weeks for full recovery.
Sudharsan is an important part of the Gujarat Titans, where he usually opens the innings alongside Shubman Gill. His contributions at the top of the order are considered vital to the team's success. Fans will be hoping for a swift recovery so that he can rejoin the team in time for IPL 2026.
