Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan and fast bowler Bhuvaneshwar Kumar have been released from India squad after they opted out citing personal reasons. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar will not take part in the remainder of the test series while Dhawan will miss the second test. However, he is available for 3rd test at Delhi. All-rounder Vijay Shankar has been named Bhuvaneshwar Kumar”s replacement.
Bhuvaneshwar is going to tie the knot with Nupur Nagar on November 23. He announced the wedding date on Instagram. Dhawan”s reason for opting out is not known.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shikhar Dhawan released from Indian Test team. Vijay Shankar has been named as Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s replacement in the squad. The duo made a request to the selectors and the team management to release them owing to personal reasons. Mr. Dhawan is available for selection for the third Test.” said BCCI in a series of tweets.
https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/932654647080230918
The first test ended with a thrilling draw. Indians were on a brink of victory when bad light stopped play early as had been the case for previous 4 days. Nevertheless, India will be proud of their effort and go into the second test which starts at Nagpur on November 24 all guns blazing. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be hampered slightly by the poor batting show this innings.
Murali Vijay is likely to replace Dhawan in the second test at Nagpur starting on November 24. India will replace Bhuvaneshwar Kumar with Ishant Sharma or Kuldeep Yadav depending upon the nature of the pitch.
Thank you everyone for your support & wishes 🙏 Super excited to be a part of #TeamIndia @BCCI #DreamsDoComeTrue pic.twitter.com/GHHb95lGoi
— Vijay Shankar (@vijayshankar260) November 21, 2017
The new-comer Shankar is likely to warm the bench. Dhawan will return for the third test which will be played at his home ground, Delhi on December 2. Hardik Pandya who was also rested will be available for selection in the third test.
– by Atharva Apte
