India have ruled opening batsman Lokesh Rahul out of the first Test against Sri Lanka starting Wednesday (26) due to viral fever.
Rahul, who scored a half-century in a two-day warm-up match last week, stayed in Colombo as the rest of the squad practised in Galle.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India said Monday (24) that Rahul has "no major health concerns" but will miss the first Test as a "precautionary measure".
Rahul, who missed the Champions Trophy last month and a short tour of the West Indies with a shoulder injury, played a vital role in India's Test series win over Australia in March despite getting injured during the first match.
The 25-year-old averages over 44 in 17 Tests since making his debut for India against Australia at Melbourne in 2014. He has scored four hundreds and seven half-centuries.
Shikhar Dhawan, who replaced injured Murali Vijay in the 16-man squad for the three-Test series, and Abhinav Mukund are the other openers in the Indian squad.
India, the world number one side, are to play three Tests in Sri Lanka.
The Bads of Bollywood trailer lands with bold humour drama and unexpected industry jabs Netflix Screengrab 
Rashmika Mandanna’s five biggest films of 2025 and why her Gond warrior role is the boldest yet Getty Images 
Thama brings Rashmika into the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe with Ayushmann KhurranaInstagram/
Rashmika Mandanna’s fierce Gond warrior look from Mysaa is already sparking conversation online 
Rashmika returns as Srivalli in Pushpa 3 The Rampage alongside Allu Arjun
Rashmika explores a soulful romantic drama in Rainbow opposite Dev Mohan
The sequel to Animal reunites Rashmika with Ranbir Kapoor as Geetanjali, continuing one of the most talked-about on-screen relationships in recent times
