Picture Credit: SLC
Prior to India’s white-ball fixtures against Sri Lanka, Team India has started their practice at the venue. Notably, while the Indian team were finally out of quarantine on Thursday, they hit the ground running on Friday and had their first outdoor training session. Not only were the cricketers spotted running and stretching but captain Shikhar Dhawan was also seen having a word with coach Rahul Dravid.
Owing to the risk of transmission of COVID-19 while travelling, all six fixtures- three ODIs as well as three T20Is- will be played at the same venue in Colombo. The picture of India’s training session was shared by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s World Cup-winning captain Arjun Ranatunga has criticised the board for hosting a second-string India side. Notably, while the all-format players including the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah are in England prior to the Test series, Dhawan has been given the responsibility of leading the Indian setup for the first time in Sri Lanka with several players receiving their maiden India call ups on this tour.
Second-string Indian team in Sri Lanka an insult to our cricket: Ranatunga
“This is a second-string Indian team and their coming here is an insult on our cricket. I blame the current administration for agreeing to play with them due to television marketing needs,” Ranatunga told reporters at his residence.
“India sent their best team to England and sent a weaker side to play here. I blame our board for that,” he added.