A massive challenge awaits for Team India after the amazing series win over Australia, as England, which is currently playing a two-match Test-series in Sri Lanka, will be arriving on a long tour of India starting from the first week of February.
They are slated to play 4 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 5 T20I matches against the hosts.
After releasing the squad for the first two Test matches against England, the Board of control for cricket in India (BCCI) named fast bowler Sandeep Warrier as one of the net bowlers in the Indian squad for the home series against England.
Sandeep Warrier has been the mainstay in the bowling department for Tamil Nadu in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the team management feels letting him go could be a problem.
Speaking about his absence in the squad the source said the Tamil Nadu team is keen to have Warrier in the side of the remainder of the matches.
“Tamil Nadu is currently in the knockouts of the competition in Ahmedabad and Warrier remains a key member of the side. We are keen to have him for the remainder of the tournament,” TNCA source told TOI on Wednesday.
IND v ENG 2021: BCCI announces Team India squad for first two Tests of England series
The 29-year-old has to enter the Team India bio bubble and TNCA's reluctance may cause trouble. Although it has been learnt that TNCA has requested BCCI to allow the pacer to join the bubble a little late.
“We are yet to hear from the BCCI but are hopeful that they will agree to our request. Warrier is already in a bio-bubble at the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, and for him, it will be a case of leaving one bio-bubble and entering another,” said the source.
The team is stationed at Ahmedabad and if Tamil Nadu reaches the final of the tournament, which is on January 31, Warrier may find it difficult to join the bubble by February 1.
Winning all their league phase matches, Tamil Nadu has made to the Syed Mushtaq Ali knockouts with ace pacer Sandeep Warrier featuring in all the matches and has scalped 5 wickets at an economy of 7.27.
(TOI inputs)
