The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on February 19 (Saturday) announced the Indian team for the upcoming three-match T20I series and two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
In a major development, Rohit Sharma was named as the new Test team captain for the Indian team.
Veteran cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have been dropped from the Indian Test team.
A new entrant
On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh-born left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar has been included to the Test team as well. It is understood, that Saurabh’s terrific performance in red-ball cricket helped him in earning a spot in the Test team.
The 28-year-old southpaw had picked up 44 wickets in eight matches in the 2019-20 edition of Ranji Trophy tournament. In the 2018/19 edition of Ranji Trophy he bagged 51 wickets.
He was also a part of India A team which went to South Africa.
On the other hand, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been selected for the Indian Test team. But his availability will depend on his fitness.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is another significant figure who is going to miss both the T20I and Test series. Pandya was also not a part of he recently concluded ODI series against West Indies and the ongoing T20I series against West Indies.
The full schedule
Indian team will take on Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series. In the first T20I match of the series, the two teams will face each other on February 24, in Lucknow. The second match of the series will be held on February 26, and for this the two teams will have to travel to Dharamshala.
In the final T20I match of the series, the two teams will be seen in action on February 27, at the same venue.
After the completion of the three-match T20I series, the two teams will face each other in a Test series.
The Test series is slated to be comprised of two Test matches. The first Test match of the series will be played on March 4, in Mohali. The second and final Test match of the series will be taking place in Bengaluru, on March 12.
