The Indian cricket board (BCCI) is debating whether alternative players are required for the five-Test series against England, which begins on 4th August.
Following Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan being pulled out of the series, it was announced on Thursday that spin bowler all-rounder Washington Sundar would also be rejoining. Washington is now recovering from a persistent finger ailment that was worsened by a Mohammad Siraj ball on Wednesday during batting for County XI.
Backups for Team India
The BCCI dispatched 24 players visiting England for the series, which featured the WTC final the previous month. The group has dropped to only 21 men. The Indian management team requested a backup for Gill, but the selectors and BCCI declined.
Bubble-To-Bubble Transfer Isn’t Possible: BCCI
Whereas the board is unconcerned about the situation, it is considering possibilities for being relocated to England. “We will see if replacements are needed to be sent to England immediately,” a senior BCCI official told in a press conference, on Thursday. The management team in England is in the focus of testing players for COVID in the tour.
“There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. Travel restrictions are one such thing. If players are indeed sent then it will be from the batch that is in Sri Lanka at the moment. Sri Lanka is also on the ‘Red List’ for the UK government”.
“The board is figuring out logistical challenges before taking a call. A bubble-to-bubble transfer isn’t possible. Selectors will decide how many players are needed to be sent if the need arises. If Sri Lanka is moved to the ‘Amber List next week, then things will get easier,” the official added.
If the selectors opt to bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, it will be curious to watch what happens. According to the statement, the management is talking to the swing bowler about his Test career.
