BCCI Chief selector Chetan Sharma held a press conference that had many signs where team India will be heading in the next few years. Rohit Sharma was made the test captain whereas Jasprit Bumrah was made the vice-captain for the series against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, it is certain that there might be a curtain to Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma's test career. Both the veteran players have been dropped from the IND vs SL Test Squad.
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In the press conference, Chetan Sharma said, "Rohit was the clear choice for the leadership. He is our No.1 test player currently". As Rohit became the new test captain, India still looking for a permanent deupty. Rishabh Pant was made the vice-captain in the T20I series against West Indies but have been sacked from the position. In addition, KL Rahul's injury forced the management to go with Jasprit Bumrah as Rohit's deputy.
Is it over for Rahane, Pujara, Saha and Ishant?
Meanwhile, team India senior batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane was dropped from the Test squad after a long run of off-form. Even Rahane's ton in the Ranji Trophy could not save his place in the team. Meantime, Pujara's duck in the same match did not help him as well. Along with them, BCCI has asked Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha to play Ranji Trophy. "Otherwise how will we know if they are fit enough to play," Chetan Sharma added.
Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari might get a nod in the middle order. However, it will be interesting to see if the management tries either Gill or Mayank Agarwal in the middle order. Meantime, it is quite obvious that BCCI does not want to make a 37-year old wicket-keeper their second choice keeper. Thus, Saha's career might be over as he has opted himself out of the Ranji Trophy as well. On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj's recent performances might have compelled the management to look beyond Ishant Sharma and groom young blood into the dressing room.
IND vs SL: Who is Saurabh Kumar?
Another new pointer from the press conference was that UP's slow left-arm orthodox Saurabh Kumar has been included in the squad. The spinner was one of the net bowlers in India's tour of England. Till now in his 46 First-class matches he has taken 196 wickets at an average of 24.15. Meanwhile, he is handy with the bat as well. He averages 29.11 with the bat in the first-class arena. He gets a place as Axar Patel is still recovering from the injury. Although it will be tough for him to get a place in the team with a full fit Ravindra Jadeja in the team.
IND vs SL: Full Test Squad
Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin ( subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Shami, Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Saurabh Kumar.
Here is the rescheduled fixture of the India vs Sri Lanka series.