Sai Sudharsan Returns to Open Tamil Nadu’s Innings after Knee Injury

Sai Sudharsan opened Tamil Nadu’s innings despite a leg injury sustained while fielding the previous day. The injury occurred in the covers on Day 2 when he stopped Karan Lamba’s drive and the ball struck his knee. He fell to the ground, felt discomfort and was helped off by a support staff member as the team physio attended. Camp sources said the impact caused only a minor injury and that he was applying an ice pack in the dugout. He did not return to the field during Rajasthan’s innings. After the innings break he received throw‑downs and walked out with Narayan Jagadeesan to start Tamil Nadu’s chase. He lasted only a few balls before debutant seamer Chetan Sharma dismissed him for three runs. Sudharsan had been a last‑minute addition to the playing XI, flying in from Puducherry on Saturday night after playing for India A against Australia A. His arrival surprised the squad and some selectors were unaware of his inclusion. The 24‑year‑old has one fifty in four red‑ball innings and scored 1 and 13 in two unofficial ODIs for India A. He had recently recovered from a toe injury and is named in the India A squad for three red‑ball matches against New Zealand in Lincoln starting Oct 26. ## Context The injury was not serious and Sudharsan is expected to resume full duties if the knee does not flare up, keeping him in contention for upcoming domestic and A‑team fixtures.