India squads for the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka at home were announced.
One of the big developments was Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul being not named in the T20I team, with Rohit still dealing with his dislocated thumb despite starting batting in the nets. Kohli and Rahul have been rested after the Bangladesh tour.
A report in ESPNCricinfo revealed that pacer Jasprit Bumrah was declared fit and was available for selection, but the selectors are being cautious with his return and want him to simulate training for him that replicates the workload of a proper match.
The same thing is done with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has reportedly recovered from his knee surgery, but the selectors now want to see him in match simulation just to be sure of his match fitness.
Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, was not named in either of the squads and has been asked to report to the NCA for strength and conditioning. Pant played 44 matches for India in 2022 and selectors felt that he needed this break given his importance in the four-Test series against Australia next year.
In a significant decision, Hardik Pandya was elevated to full-time vice-captaincy in both white-ball formats and will captain India against Sri Lanka in T20Is in Rohit Sharma’s absence.
This meant KL Rahul, who led India in the third ODI against Bangladesh recently, lost his position as vice-captain, and his spot in the Indian white-ball team is no longer set in stone.
Another big revelation was that the name of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was not discussed at all, with signs of him being dropped from contention.
Deepak Chahar remains unfit and a big concern is about the fitness of Prasidh Krishna, who was their point of difference in the middle overs with his height, pace, and hard lengths. He injured his back during India A's series against New Zealand in September, and is yet to recover.
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The selectors have also probably zeroed in on Yuzvendra Chahal as the sole leg-spinner in white-ball formats, hence Ravi Bishnoi was released from the squad despite spending time with the squads last year.
Mohammed Siraj and Shreyas Iyer were given a break from T20Is but they will be back for Sri Lanka ODIs.
It is learnt that the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Ashok Malhotra, Sulakshana Naik, and Jatin Paranjpe has been sent all the applications, but hasn't shortlisted the candidates it wants to interview. It is expected a decision on the new panel will finally be announced in the first week of January.
(ESPNCricinfo inputs)