Nitish Rana has created a space for himself in both the domestic circuit and the Indian Premier League for Delhi and Kolkata Knight Riders respectfully and the southpaw feels he is ready for international cricket as he waits to get his “reward” when the Indian team is selected for July’s tour of Sri Lanka.<o:p></o:p>

India will be without their first-team players as most of them will be engaged in the three-and-a-half-month-long tour of England. <o:p></o:p>

Rana said that he has a strong feeling that his name would be called up for the Sri Lanka tour while adding he has performed well in last three years in the limited-overs circuit.<o:p></o:p>

"It is there at the back of my mind that my name should come (in the squad) and I am prepared for that because I feel my name would come," Nitish told PTI in an interview when asked whether he is hoping for a call-up.

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"If you pick and see my record for the last three years in white-ball – be it domestic or the IPL, I have performed well and I feel that I will get the reward for it today or tomorrow.<o:p></o:p>

"And I feel I am ready for international cricket and I am waiting for that… like they say one call away...I am waiting for that call...," added the 27-year-old left-handed batsman, who also bowls off-break.<o:p></o:p>

Rana has amassed 2,266 runs in 38 First-Class matches and averages over 40. With India set to play Sri Lanka in a limited-overs series consisting of three T20Is and as many ODIs, the Men in Blue would have their white-ball specialists travelling to the island nation.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-cannot-ignore-him-now-aakash-chopra-names-a-player-indian-selectors-cant-look-past-385813" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Cannot ignore him now': Aakash Chopra names a player Indian selectors can't look past</a><o:p></o:p>

Rana, who scored 201 runs from seven matches in the currently-suspended IPL also reflected on the season.<o:p></o:p>

"To be very honest, from the last 3-4 years, it has been a pattern for me that I start the season well, in mid-season, I have 2-3 flop innings and then at the end of the season I play 1-2 innings well.<o:p></o:p>

"So always, the total (runs) scored are in between 330-400," he said.<o:p></o:p>

However, inconsistency has always been lined with Rana and his batting. But the left-handed batsman said that he has worked upon the aspect. <o:p></o:p>

"I added many skills mentally in my game and normal life. I felt that in the last 2-3 years, I used to become very happy that I am performing well and it should continue, but the hunger to score runs used to finish.<o:p></o:p>

"...my coaches said a hungry Nitish Rana should stay alive, it will make you consistent," he elaborated.<o:p></o:p>

"It is not guaranteed that you will score runs in every match but the ratio improves."<o:p></o:p>

Nitish Rana has created a space for himself in both the domestic circuit and the Indian Premier League for Delhi and Kolkata Knight Riders respectfully and the southpaw feels he is ready for international cricket as he waits to get his “reward” when the Indian team is selected for July’s tour of Sri Lanka.

Nitish Rana has created a space for himself in both the domestic circuit and the Indian Premier League for Delhi and Kolkata Knight Riders respectfully and the southpaw feels he is ready for international cricket as he waits to get his “reward” when the Indian team is selected for July’s tour of Sri Lanka. India will be without their first-team players as most of them will be engaged in the three-and-a-half-month-long tour of England. Rana said that he has a strong feeling that his name would be called up for the Sri Lanka tour while adding he has performed well in last three years in the limited-overs circuit. "It is there at the back of my mind that my name should come (in the squad) and I am prepared for that because I feel my name would come," Nitish told PTI in an interview when asked whether he is hoping for a call-up. ALSO READ: England's Jos Buttler names two Indian legend who inspired him to play cricket "If you pick and see my record for the last three years in white-ball – be it domestic or the IPL, I have performed well and I feel that I will get the reward for it today or tomorrow. "And I feel I am ready for international cricket and I am waiting for that… like they say one call away...I am waiting for that call...," added the 27-year-old left-handed batsman, who also bowls off-break. Rana has amassed 2,266 runs in 38 First-Class matches and averages over 40. With India set to play Sri Lanka in a limited-overs series consisting of three T20Is and as many ODIs, the Men in Blue would have their white-ball specialists travelling to the island nation. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Cannot ignore him now': Aakash Chopra names a player Indian selectors can't look past Rana, who scored 201 runs from seven matches in the currently-suspended IPL also reflected on the season. "To be very honest, from the last 3-4 years, it has been a pattern for me that I start the season well, in mid-season, I have 2-3 flop innings and then at the end of the season I play 1-2 innings well. "So always, the total (runs) scored are in between 330-400," he said. However, inconsistency has always been lined with Rana and his batting. But the left-handed batsman said that he has worked upon the aspect. "I added many skills mentally in my game and normal life. I felt that in the last 2-3 years, I used to become very happy that I am performing well and it should continue, but the hunger to score runs used to finish. "...my coaches said a hungry Nitish Rana should stay alive, it will make you consistent," he elaborated. "It is not guaranteed that you will score runs in every match but the ratio improves."

SL vs IND: Nitish Rana awaits 'that one call', says 'ready for international cricket'

Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are being touted as the captaincy options for Team India if Shreyas Iyer doesn’t get fit for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka in July.<o:p></o:p>

India’s limited-overs specialists will head to the island nation to play three T20Is and as many ODIs against Sri Lanka in the second half of July. Interestingly, the big guns like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah among others will be in England for a five-match Test series. <o:p></o:p>

"It is still not clear if Shreyas will recover fully and will be match-fit in time for tour of Sri Lanka. Normally, a surgery of this scale along with rest, extensive rehab and training to get back in shape takes around four months," a senior BCCI source privy to selection matters told PTI on conditions of anonymity.<o:p></o:p>

"In case Shreyas was available, he would have been the automatic choice for captaincy."

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While Dhawan has been in-form for Delhi Capitals in last two IPLs, Hardik Pandya has come as one of the most important parts of the Indian team in the shortest format. <o:p></o:p>

"Shikhar has had two very good IPL including this curtailed one and being the senior most among those who are available for selection, he is a very strong contender. Also he has been a solid performer for India for past eight years," an official said. <o:p></o:p>

"Yes, Hardik hasn't been regularly bowling for MI or India in recent times. However, he is the man with x-factor and among options available. He is miles ahead of his peers in terms of being an impact performer. And who knows, maybe extra responsibility brings the best out of him."

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Hardik was in the squad for the four-Test series against England to monitor his bowling workload but a flared up shoulder and back issues mean he is unlikely to bowl more than a couple of overs in white-ball cricket. <o:p></o:p>

"Hardik, after his back surgery to cure stress fracture, is not the same bowler anymore. He was a fast-medium bowler before injury but to bowl at a brisk 135 kmph plus pace consistently, it could impact his back.<o:p></o:p>

"So he is focussing more on his match finishing skills," a person in the know of things told PTI.

<o:p>(With inputs from agencies)</o:p>

Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are being touted as the captaincy options for Team India if Shreyas Iyer doesn’t get fit for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka in July.

Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are being touted as the captaincy options for Team India if Shreyas Iyer doesn’t get fit for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka in July. India’s limited-overs specialists will head to the island nation to play three T20Is and as many ODIs against Sri Lanka in the second half of July. Interestingly, the big guns like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah among others will be in England for a five-match Test series. "It is still not clear if Shreyas will recover fully and will be match-fit in time for tour of Sri Lanka. Normally, a surgery of this scale along with rest, extensive rehab and training to get back in shape takes around four months," a senior BCCI source privy to selection matters told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "In case Shreyas was available, he would have been the automatic choice for captaincy." ALSO READ: Virat Kohli hugged and consoled me when I was crying at my hotel room in Australia: Mohammed Siraj While Dhawan has been in-form for Delhi Capitals in last two IPLs, Hardik Pandya has come as one of the most important parts of the Indian team in the shortest format. "Shikhar has had two very good IPL including this curtailed one and being the senior most among those who are available for selection, he is a very strong contender. Also he has been a solid performer for India for past eight years," an official said. "Yes, Hardik hasn't been regularly bowling for MI or India in recent times. However, he is the man with x-factor and among options available. He is miles ahead of his peers in terms of being an impact performer. And who knows, maybe extra responsibility brings the best out of him." ALSO READ: Bamboo bats could be an innovative weapon, but MCC rejects it, says it will be illegal Hardik was in the squad for the four-Test series against England to monitor his bowling workload but a flared up shoulder and back issues mean he is unlikely to bowl more than a couple of overs in white-ball cricket. "Hardik, after his back surgery to cure stress fracture, is not the same bowler anymore. He was a fast-medium bowler before injury but to bowl at a brisk 135 kmph plus pace consistently, it could impact his back. "So he is focussing more on his match finishing skills," a person in the know of things told PTI. (With inputs from agencies)

SL vs IND: Hardik Pandya, Shikhar Dhawan locked in two-way battle for India captaincy

The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Sunday said the Indian cricket team will tour Sri Lanka in July for a limited-overs bilateral series consisting of three ODIs and five T20Is.<o:p></o:p>

However, major names such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma are set to miss the tour as they will be engaged in a five-Test series against England. <o:p></o:p>

"We have planned a white ball series for the senior men's team during the month of July where they will play T20 Internationals and ODIs in Sri Lanka," Ganguly told PTI in an interaction.<o:p></o:p>

Ganguly further clarified the team travelling to Sri Lanka will be completely different from that going for the WTC final and England series and called it team of “white-ball specialists”. <o:p></o:p>

"Yes, it will be a team of white-ball specialists. It will be a different team," the former India captain said, making it clear that the cricket board also has the preparation of white ball regulars in mind.

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The BCCI would bank on the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Chahar among others to be raring to go and prove a point ahead of the T20 World Cup.<o:p></o:p>

"The BCCI president is very keen that all our top players are match ready and since England doesn't have a white ball leg the month of July can be utilized well," a BCCI source told PTI while explaining the logic behind the tour.<o:p></o:p>

"Technically, in the month of July there are no official senior India team matches. The Test squad will be playing intra-squad games.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/can-ipl-2021-be-played-in-between-wtc-final-and-england-series-sourav-ganguly-responds-383923" hreflang="en">Can IPL 2021 be played in between WTC final and England series? Sourav Ganguly responds</a>

"So there is no harm in India's white-ball experts getting some match time and selectors also get to fix the missing jigsaws in selection puzzle."<o:p></o:p>

The Sri Lanka tour in July will give a chance for many youngsters to make their mark in international stage before the T20 World Cup. The likes of Rahul Chahar, Rahul Tewatia, Chetan Sakariya, Devdutt Padikkal are among the players expected to get the nod. <o:p></o:p>

The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Sunday said the Indian cricket team will tour Sri Lanka in July for a limited-overs bilateral series consisting of three ODIs and five T20Is.

The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Sunday said the Indian cricket team will tour Sri Lanka in July for a limited-overs bilateral series consisting of three ODIs and five T20Is. However, major names such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma are set to miss the tour as they will be engaged in a five-Test series against England. "We have planned a white ball series for the senior men's team during the month of July where they will play T20 Internationals and ODIs in Sri Lanka," Ganguly told PTI in an interaction. Ganguly further clarified the team travelling to Sri Lanka will be completely different from that going for the WTC final and England series and called it team of “white-ball specialists”. "Yes, it will be a team of white-ball specialists. It will be a different team," the former India captain said, making it clear that the cricket board also has the preparation of white ball regulars in mind. ALSO READ: 'India have very good chance': Rahul Dravid predicts the scoreline of England vs India Test series The BCCI would bank on the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Chahar among others to be raring to go and prove a point ahead of the T20 World Cup. "The BCCI president is very keen that all our top players are match ready and since England doesn't have a white ball leg the month of July can be utilized well," a BCCI source told PTI while explaining the logic behind the tour. "Technically, in the month of July there are no official senior India team matches. The Test squad will be playing intra-squad games. ALSO READ: Can IPL 2021 be played in between WTC final and England series? Sourav Ganguly responds "So there is no harm in India's white-ball experts getting some match time and selectors also get to fix the missing jigsaws in selection puzzle." The Sri Lanka tour in July will give a chance for many youngsters to make their mark in international stage before the T20 World Cup. The likes of Rahul Chahar, Rahul Tewatia, Chetan Sakariya, Devdutt Padikkal are among the players expected to get the nod.

India to field white-ball specialists for Sri Lanka tour in July: Sourav Ganguly

The postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 came as a huge blow to the BCCI but players and staff’s safety was paramount for the organisers. Since the postponement, there have been many reports about rescheduling the T20 tournament and whether an alternate window is possible after the ICC World Test Championship final and before the much-awaited series against England. <o:p></o:p>

The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has cleared the air surrounding the postponed IPL 2021 as he said that there is no window for IPL 2021 in between the WTC final and England series as the Indian team will play Sri Lanka for three ODI and five T20Is. <o:p></o:p>

“No (on playing IPL 2021 in between WTC final and England series). India is supposed to go to Sri Lanka for three ODIs and five T20Is. There are lots of organisational hazards like 14-day quarantine. It can’t happen in India. This quarantine is tough to handle. Too early to say how we can find a slot to complete the IPL,” Ganguly told Sportstar.

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The BCCI drew widespread criticism for continuing with the IPL 2021 at a time when India is battling with the devastating second wave of COVID-19. While many had called for an early suspension of the T20 tournament, the BCCI eventually postponed it after the virus hit the players inside the bubble. Should it have been called off earlier? <o:p></o:p>

“You can say that now in hindsight that the IPL should have been called off earlier. Mumbai and Chennai (legs) did not have cases. Only when the IPL reached Delhi and Ahmedabad did the cases rise. People will say a lot of things in any case. The English Premier League had so many people affected. But they could reschedule the matches. But you can’t do that with IPL. You stop it for seven days and it is done. Players go back home and then the process of quarantine starts from scratch,” Ganguly told the same publication.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-pat-cummins-to-virat-kohli-cricketing-stalwarts-who-contributed-in-indias-fight-against-covid-19-381735" hreflang="en">From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19</a><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Meanwhile, India are expected to depart for England in the first week of June for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand before taking on England in a five-match Test series. But it would be interesting to see whether they will name a fresh squad for the tour of Sri Lank.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

The postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 came as a huge blow to the BCCI but players and staff’s safety was paramount for the organisers. Since the postponement, there have been many reports about rescheduling the T20 tournament and whether an alternate window is possible after the ICC World Test Championship final and before the much-awaited series against England.

The postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 came as a huge blow to the BCCI but players and staff’s safety was paramount for the organisers. Since the postponement, there have been many reports about rescheduling the T20 tournament and whether an alternate window is possible after the ICC World Test Championship final and before the much-awaited series against England. The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has cleared the air surrounding the postponed IPL 2021 as he said that there is no window for IPL 2021 in between the WTC final and England series as the Indian team will play Sri Lanka for three ODI and five T20Is. “No (on playing IPL 2021 in between WTC final and England series). India is supposed to go to Sri Lanka for three ODIs and five T20Is. There are lots of organisational hazards like 14-day quarantine. It can’t happen in India. This quarantine is tough to handle. Too early to say how we can find a slot to complete the IPL,” Ganguly told Sportstar. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli expresses his 'gratitude' towards frontline workers amidst COVID-19 crisis The BCCI drew widespread criticism for continuing with the IPL 2021 at a time when India is battling with the devastating second wave of COVID-19. While many had called for an early suspension of the T20 tournament, the BCCI eventually postponed it after the virus hit the players inside the bubble. Should it have been called off earlier? “You can say that now in hindsight that the IPL should have been called off earlier. Mumbai and Chennai (legs) did not have cases. Only when the IPL reached Delhi and Ahmedabad did the cases rise. People will say a lot of things in any case. The English Premier League had so many people affected. But they could reschedule the matches. But you can’t do that with IPL. You stop it for seven days and it is done. Players go back home and then the process of quarantine starts from scratch,” Ganguly told the same publication. ALSO READ: From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19 Meanwhile, India are expected to depart for England in the first week of June for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand before taking on England in a five-match Test series. But it would be interesting to see whether they will name a fresh squad for the tour of Sri Lank.

Can IPL 2021 be played in between WTC final and England series? Sourav Ganguly responds

Sri Lanka Cricket on Thursday confirmed that India’s tour of Sri Lanka consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is will not be played as per schedule. Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and SLC came to a mutual agreement to postpone the tour which was originally scheduled to be played in June.&nbsp;

The BCCI informed the SLC that the tour won’t be feasible due to the prevailing circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. However, BCCI remains committed to the Future Tours Programme (FTP) and fellow members but will seek advice from the Government of India and health administrations before giving green signal to anything related to the resumption of cricket.&nbsp;

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"The India National Team Tour of Sri Lanka, which was scheduled to take place during the month of June, 2020 will not go ahead, as scheduled," SLC said in a media release on Thursday. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that due to the prevailing circumstances revolving around Covid - 19 pandemic, the cricket series, which included 03 ODIs and 03 T20i matches will not be feasible."

According to SLC release, the BCCI "remains committed to the FTP and towards its fellow members, it will have to seek the advice from Government of India and the health regulatory authorities before taking any decision for the resumption of Cricket".&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-working-on-possible-options-for-ipl-2020-sourav-ganguly-in-letter-to-state-associations-305021" hreflang="en">BCCI working on possible options for IPL 2020: Sourav Ganguly in letter to state associations</a>

Earlier, there were reports that the BCCI has agreed to tour Sri Lanka in the month of August and the SLC would be hopeful of the same.

On Wednesday, after ICC Board meeting, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly wrote a letter to all state associations in which the former Indian skipper mentioned that the Indian board is working with health experts to work out SOPs for the resumption of cricket in India. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka Cricket on Thursday confirmed that India’s tour of Sri Lanka consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is will not be played as per schedule. Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and SLC came to a mutual agreement to postpone the tour which was originally scheduled to be played in June.

Sri Lanka Cricket on Thursday confirmed that India’s tour of Sri Lanka consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is will not be played as per schedule. Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and SLC came to a mutual agreement to postpone the tour which was originally scheduled to be played in June. The BCCI informed the SLC that the tour won’t be feasible due to the prevailing circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. However, BCCI remains committed to the Future Tours Programme (FTP) and fellow members but will seek advice from the Government of India and health administrations before giving green signal to anything related to the resumption of cricket. ALSO READ: Cricket: Smaller ball, shorter pitch recommended to transform women's game "The India National Team Tour of Sri Lanka, which was scheduled to take place during the month of June, 2020 will not go ahead, as scheduled," SLC said in a media release on Thursday. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that due to the prevailing circumstances revolving around Covid - 19 pandemic, the cricket series, which included 03 ODIs and 03 T20i matches will not be feasible." According to SLC release, the BCCI "remains committed to the FTP and towards its fellow members, it will have to seek the advice from Government of India and the health regulatory authorities before taking any decision for the resumption of Cricket". ALSO READ: BCCI working on possible options for IPL 2020: Sourav Ganguly in letter to state associations Earlier, there were reports that the BCCI has agreed to tour Sri Lanka in the month of August and the SLC would be hopeful of the same. On Wednesday, after ICC Board meeting, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly wrote a letter to all state associations in which the former Indian skipper mentioned that the Indian board is working with health experts to work out SOPs for the resumption of cricket in India.

India's tour of Sri Lanka called off due to COVID-19 pandemic