After the home series defeats against New Zealand and South Africa in Tests, Indian captain Shubman Gill had suggested that the BCCI conduct 15-day camps before every Test series going forward as well. The BCCI seems to have obliged to his request, as the Test squad has been announced for the upcoming Sri Lanka series in advance. Notably, India are all set to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series beginning August 15, whereas the squad for the same was announced on July 28. And, Hanuma Vihari highlighted the same as well.
“The BCCI announced the Test squad very early. Not often we see this, as usually a Test series is right after IPL or an ODI or T20I series. But after losses to New Zealand and South Africa at home, Shubman Gill had given a statement about needing enough preparation time for a Test series. I think the BCCI obliged to Shubman Gill’s input, and keeping that in mind, they have announced the squad early. India will also play a practice match before the series, and you don’t see that often,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel.
READ HERE: Shubman Gill Breaks Silence On ODI Futures Of Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli
“This series is important for India as if they win both the games, they will have a chance to advance in the WTC table. If you win both games in a two-match series, the chances of the percentage increasing become higher. This series, then the series against New Zealand and Australia, will determine whether India qualify for the final or not,” he further added.
While India is definitely the favorites, Hanuma Vihari asked them not to take the hosts lightly in their own backyard considering the spin-friendly conditions. However, Vihari also advised to practice playing the sweep shot more often before the Sri Lanka series to be able to adapt better as well.
“Sri Lanka is a dangerous side at home as there are slow turners there. The Indian batters do not play the sweep shot a lot. They will have to practice doing that. In international cricket, only proper practice will help make things easier during matches,” he cocnluded.
