Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria believes ex-Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga called the Indian team on the Sri Lanka tour a ‘second-string side’ only for publicity. He said India has a huge talent pool and can easily make two international teams.
Team India on the Sri Lanka tour includes a lot of newcomers and they are led by Shikhar Dhawan. However, there are experienced players in the side like Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Kaneria, in his YouTube video, said it's sad to hear such a statement from Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning captain. “Ranatunga has made the statement just to stay in the limelight. India is one such nation that contains 50-60 players and can make two international teams. Many players, including Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, have been with the Indian team for a while. It is sad to hear such a statement from a cricketer of your stature,” he stated.
Kaneria further said the Sri Lanka cricket board should thank India for agreeing to play against them which could help the cricket board financially.
“Sri Lankan cricket is on the decline. Look at the way they are playing the series in England. It is as if they have forgotten playing cricket. The Sri Lankan board should feel blessed that India is sending a team to help. They will be out of the financial crisis,” Kaneria added.
Earlier, the Sri Lanka cricket board had clarified that India doesn't have a second-string team. They stated, "Out of the 20-member India squad, 14 players have represented India across all formats or in some form and not a second-string team as claimed."
India's senior cricketers and regular features in the limited-overs side are currently on England tour for five-match Test series.
