After BCCI announced India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, veteran India batter Hanuma Vihari highlighted the continued exclusion of Jalaj Saxena. The first Test will start on August 15 at Galle, where 33-year-old Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain received his maiden call-up, replacing injured Washington Sundar as well. However, Hanuma Vihari felt that Jalaj Saxena, a stalwart of domestic cricket, was unlucky to never play for the country.

“Saransh Jain has been given an opportunity. He had a great Ranji Trophy season. He has done well for India A as well. But he only got the opportunity because Washington Sundar suffered a hamstring injury. I feel for someone like Jalaj Saxena. He is a legend of domestic cricket. But there were Jadeja and Ashwin when he was at his peak. Saransh was at the right place at the right time, so he got his maiden call-up. Such is life and fate. Congratulations to him. Years of hard work has paid off,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel.

“We have to see whether Saransh will get a chance in the playing 11. Manav Suthar did well against Afghanistan. Jadeja is there too. Kuldeep Yadav should start but whether they play him or not is also a big talking point. He should be the third spinner in my opinion and there is no doubt. If it is a rank turner, they can play one fast bowler and also play Saransh as the fourth spinner,” he again added.

READ HERE: Shubman Gill Breaks Silence On ODI Futures Of Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli

Hanuma Vihari also said that the Sri Lanka Test series would be an important one for captain Shubman Gill, both in terms of batting and captaincy as well.

“This will be an important series for Shubman Gill, not just with the bat, but it will be a Test of his captaincy. In these conditions, will he play three spinners or four? We have to see what call he makes. The second thing is how he makes bowling changes, that will also be important along with field placements,” he added.

“I want Gill to encourage someone like Kuldeep Yadav. He is a match-winner, be it in any format. He takes wickets. If a bowler like him is encouraged by the captain and has that backing, he will do wonders for the team. It will be important how they utilise him,” Hanuma Vihari concluded.