Rohit Sharma-led Team India had a flawless run in the two-match Test series opener versus Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka in Mohali. Everything clicked for the home side right from the word go. Rohit won the toss in his debut Test as captain as India opted to bat first at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali.

Riding on Ravindra Jadeja's 175 not out and fifties from Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant and R Ashwin, India declared at 574-8 and dismissed the Lankans for 174 and 178 to win the opening Test by an innings and 222 runs. Ahead of the second and final Test, India is expected to play the same winning combination. However, there might be a debate for one spot, i.e. the second-opening slot. Mayank Agarwal managed only 33 in the first innings and he might be replaced by Shubman Gill, who has also done well in his limited opportunities in whites.

In this regard, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar named his pick and suggested who should partner Rohit at the top in the series decider.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-test-rankings-ravindra-jadeja-becomes-no1-all-rounder-after-dream-run-in-sl-series-opener-460512">ICC Test Rankings: Ravindra Jadeja becomes No.1 all-rounder after dream run in SL series opener</a>

"He (Gill) hasn't played any form of cricket in the last two months. He did not even play Ranji Trophy so if you have to play for India, you need some or the other type of practice. Of course, he has the talent, there is no doubt about it. But in the end, it is also about form," Gavaskar said on Sports Tak.

"And if you see carefully, Mayank Agarwal always scores big in India's home series. He bats like a boss in India but doesn't score runs overseas. In home series, he has at least one big hundred or a double century. So, he should definitely open. And at No. 3 there is Hanuma Vihari. What has he done wrong? In South Africa, in the one opportunity he got, he steadied the tail and batted defiantly, adding runs in India's second innings. So he should get opportunities," the ex-India opener opined.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-top-earners-to-players-with-big-pay-cuts-bccis-new-central-contracts-list-for-2021-22-459987">From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22</a>

"As for Shreyas Iyer, the kind of form he showed in the white-ball series (against Sri Lanka), and the way he started off his Test career in December against New Zealand, I think this should be our top five," Gavaskar further added.

The second and final Test is a day-night affair, the third pink-ball encounter in India. If India win the Test, they will not only inflict a series whitewash over the Islanders but also continue their winning run, across formats, under Rohit since late 2021.

Rohit Sharma-led Team India had a flawless run in the two-match Test series opener versus Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka in Mohali. Everything clicked for the home side right from the word go.

Rohit Sharma-led Team India had a flawless run in the two-match Test series opener versus Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka in Mohali. Everything clicked for the home side right from the word go. Rohit won the toss in his debut Test as captain as India opted to bat first at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. Riding on Ravindra Jadeja's 175 not out and fifties from Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant and R Ashwin, India declared at 574-8 and dismissed the Lankans for 174 and 178 to win the opening Test by an innings and 222 runs. Ahead of the second and final Test, India is expected to play the same winning combination. However, there might be a debate for one spot, i.e. the second-opening slot. Mayank Agarwal managed only 33 in the first innings and he might be replaced by Shubman Gill, who has also done well in his limited opportunities in whites. In this regard, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar named his pick and suggested who should partner Rohit at the top in the series decider. ALSO READ | ICC Test Rankings: Ravindra Jadeja becomes No.1 all-rounder after dream run in SL series opener "He (Gill) hasn't played any form of cricket in the last two months. He did not even play Ranji Trophy so if you have to play for India, you need some or the other type of practice. Of course, he has the talent, there is no doubt about it. But in the end, it is also about form," Gavaskar said on Sports Tak. "And if you see carefully, Mayank Agarwal always scores big in India's home series. He bats like a boss in India but doesn't score runs overseas. In home series, he has at least one big hundred or a double century. So, he should definitely open. And at No. 3 there is Hanuma Vihari. What has he done wrong? In South Africa, in the one opportunity he got, he steadied the tail and batted defiantly, adding runs in India's second innings. So he should get opportunities," the ex-India opener opined. ALSO READ | From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22 "As for Shreyas Iyer, the kind of form he showed in the white-ball series (against Sri Lanka), and the way he started off his Test career in December against New Zealand, I think this should be our top five," Gavaskar further added. The second and final Test is a day-night affair, the third pink-ball encounter in India. If India win the Test, they will not only inflict a series whitewash over the Islanders but also continue their winning run, across formats, under Rohit since late 2021.

Mayank or Gill: Gavaskar shares his pick, suggests who should open with Rohit Sharma in 2nd Test vs SL

R Ashwin created history when he surpassed Kapil Dev's wicket-tally (434) to become India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests (436). The 35-year-old wily off-spinner achieved the feat during Rohit Sharma-led India's massive win over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Mohali.

Earlier, Ashwin had surpassed Harbhajan Singh's wicket-tally (417) when India hosted New Zealand in two Tests in late 2021. Thus, he is now India's most successful off-spinner in whites and remains only behind leg spinner Anil Kumble (619) in terms of most wickets among Indians in the red-ball format (ninth-most wickets overall). In the past, comparisons have often taken place between Ashwin and Harbhajan, two of India's most successful off-spinners. Thus, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir picked the most difficult spinner to face among Ashwin and Bhajji.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unbelievable-r-ashwin-reveals-how-broken-legs-helped-shane-warne-in-developing-strong-shoulders-460273">Unbelievable! R Ashwin reveals how broken legs helped Shane Warne in developing strong shoulders</a>

Gambhir, who has played with both the spinners,&nbsp;hailed Ashwin's&nbsp;accuracy and ability to vary pace in deciding the better offie. While&nbsp;he admitted that Harbhajan was more beautiful to watch, he picked Ashwin was the more difficult to face.

“As a batter, I would hate to face Ravichandran Ashwin, but I would love to watch Harbhajan Singh. This means, that as a left-hander, I would always feel that Ashwin could dismiss me, but as an analyst, then Harabhajan...he had that bounce, that doosra and could dip the ball. And Ashwin, for a left-hander or any other batter, he is much more difficult to face because he is far more accurate and difficult because of his speed variations. Harbhajan Singh was more beautiful to watch,” he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-when-dravid-proved-arun-lals-prediction-wrong-by-hitting-a-huge-six-in-indo-pak-test-watch-460257">THROWBACK: When Dravid proved Arun Lal's prediction wrong by hitting a huge six in Indo-Pak Test - WATCH</a>

Ashwin is now gearing up for the second and final Test between India and Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. It will be a day-night affair, third in India, and will get underway on March 12.

The 35-year-old Ashwin is a staggering 183 wickets behind Kumble's tally and, hence, it will be interesting to see if he can carry on for few more years and reach closer (or surpass) to the magical number.

R Ashwin created history when he surpassed Kapil Dev's wicket-tally (434) to become India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests (436). The 35-year-old wily off-spinner achieved the feat during Rohit Sharma-led India's massive win over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Mohali.

R Ashwin created history when he surpassed Kapil Dev's wicket-tally (434) to become India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests (436). The 35-year-old wily off-spinner achieved the feat during Rohit Sharma-led India's massive win over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Mohali. Earlier, Ashwin had surpassed Harbhajan Singh's wicket-tally (417) when India hosted New Zealand in two Tests in late 2021. Thus, he is now India's most successful off-spinner in whites and remains only behind leg spinner Anil Kumble (619) in terms of most wickets among Indians in the red-ball format (ninth-most wickets overall). In the past, comparisons have often taken place between Ashwin and Harbhajan, two of India's most successful off-spinners. Thus, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir picked the most difficult spinner to face among Ashwin and Bhajji. ALSO READ | Unbelievable! R Ashwin reveals how broken legs helped Shane Warne in developing strong shoulders Gambhir, who has played with both the spinners, hailed Ashwin's accuracy and ability to vary pace in deciding the better offie. While he admitted that Harbhajan was more beautiful to watch, he picked Ashwin was the more difficult to face. “As a batter, I would hate to face Ravichandran Ashwin, but I would love to watch Harbhajan Singh. This means, that as a left-hander, I would always feel that Ashwin could dismiss me, but as an analyst, then Harabhajan...he had that bounce, that doosra and could dip the ball. And Ashwin, for a left-hander or any other batter, he is much more difficult to face because he is far more accurate and difficult because of his speed variations. Harbhajan Singh was more beautiful to watch,” he said. ALSO READ | THROWBACK: When Dravid proved Arun Lal's prediction wrong by hitting a huge six in Indo-Pak Test - WATCH Ashwin is now gearing up for the second and final Test between India and Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. It will be a day-night affair, third in India, and will get underway on March 12. The 35-year-old Ashwin is a staggering 183 wickets behind Kumble's tally and, hence, it will be interesting to see if he can carry on for few more years and reach closer (or surpass) to the magical number.

R Ashwin or Harbhajan Singh? Gautam Gambhir picks the more difficult off-spinner to face

Mithali Raj-led India kicked off their campaign in style in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup 2022 edition, being held in New Zealand. Facing arch-rivals Pakistan in their tournament-opener, Indian eves stormed past the Bismah Maroof-led side by 107 runs to commence their journey in the showpiece event in an emphatic manner.

In their next game, i.e. match 8, Mithali &amp; Co. will face&nbsp;Sophie Devine-led New Zealand cricket team in a bid to remain unbeaten in the tournament. The mega event has already thrown in a few surprises and has witnessed some close contests and the same is expected between the two big teams on Thursday (March 10). India have faced New Zealand in the run-up to the tournament. While India lost the one-off T20I and also the following five ODIs, 4-1, they managed to win the final and inconsequential 50-over fixture. Thus, India will be confident while facing the home side.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-odi-rankings-mithali-raj-slips-to-fourth-meg-lanning-rises-to-second-460221">Women's ODI Rankings: Mithali Raj slips to fourth, Meg Lanning rises to second spot</a>

On the other hand, New Zealand have already had a topsy-turvy start to their campaign in the World Cup. While the hosts lost to West Indies by three runs in the tournament-opener, they bounced back and returned to winning ways with a 9-wicket win (DLS method) over Bangladesh. They will also be upbeat while facing Mithali &amp; Co. due to their recent performances against the Women in Blue. However, another loss will dent their confidence and, hence, the home side might feel some pressure.

Match prediction of match 8 between India-NZ:&nbsp;It is difficult to predict a winner at this time. So far, both sides have not played a single game at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The only game played at the venue in the tournament was a high-scoring affair. If the track favours the batters, India's middle and lower order -- along with their strike-rates -- will be crucial. Momentum-wise, India have the edge whereas recent records tilts the equation towards NZ.

Mithali Raj-led India kicked off their campaign in style in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup 2022 edition, being held in New Zealand. Facing arch-rivals Pakistan in their tournament-opener, Indian eves stormed past the Bismah Maroof-led side by 107 runs to commence their journey in the showpiece event in an emphatic manner.

Mithali Raj-led India kicked off their campaign in style in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup 2022 edition, being held in New Zealand. Facing arch-rivals Pakistan in their tournament-opener, Indian eves stormed past the Bismah Maroof-led side by 107 runs to commence their journey in the showpiece event in an emphatic manner. In their next game, i.e. match 8, Mithali & Co. will face Sophie Devine-led New Zealand cricket team in a bid to remain unbeaten in the tournament. The mega event has already thrown in a few surprises and has witnessed some close contests and the same is expected between the two big teams on Thursday (March 10). India have faced New Zealand in the run-up to the tournament. While India lost the one-off T20I and also the following five ODIs, 4-1, they managed to win the final and inconsequential 50-over fixture. Thus, India will be confident while facing the home side. ALSO READ | Women's ODI Rankings: Mithali Raj slips to fourth, Meg Lanning rises to second spot On the other hand, New Zealand have already had a topsy-turvy start to their campaign in the World Cup. While the hosts lost to West Indies by three runs in the tournament-opener, they bounced back and returned to winning ways with a 9-wicket win (DLS method) over Bangladesh. They will also be upbeat while facing Mithali & Co. due to their recent performances against the Women in Blue. However, another loss will dent their confidence and, hence, the home side might feel some pressure. Match prediction of match 8 between India-NZ: It is difficult to predict a winner at this time. So far, both sides have not played a single game at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The only game played at the venue in the tournament was a high-scoring affair. If the track favours the batters, India's middle and lower order -- along with their strike-rates -- will be crucial. Momentum-wise, India have the edge whereas recent records tilts the equation towards NZ.

IND vs NZ, WWC 2022 match prediction: Who will win between India and New Zealand?

Rahul Dravid, the current Indian team head coach, remains a big name in world cricket. The former Indian captain's international career spanned from 1996-2012. During his illustrious 16-year-long career at the highest level, Dravid amassed&nbsp;13,288 Test and 10,889 ODI runs and was known for his risk-free and orthodox style of batting.

During the second and penultimate Test between India and Pakistan, when Inzamam-ul-Haq &amp; Co. toured India in early 2005, Dravid proved former cricketer Arun Lal's prediction wrong in a hilarious manner. When Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar were batting in the middle, with India well-placed at 261-2 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on-air commentators Ramiz Raja and Lal were discussing how Dravid can go about his business in the middle, during spinner Danish Kaneria's over.

Ramiz suggested that Dravid can target going over the mid-off region -- as the fielder&nbsp;was well inside the inner circle&nbsp;-- with no protection in the deep. To this, Arun replied by saying that 'The Wall' is known to play orthodox shots and, hence, won't fancy for a&nbsp;glory shot. On the very next delivery, Dravid smacked a huge six, off Kaneria, in the long-on region to prove Arun's prediction wrong and also troll him, unintentionally, in a hilarious manner. The Indian commentator also laughed at the sudden turn of events. Here's the video of Dravid's unexpected six:

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-top-earners-to-players-with-big-pay-cuts-bccis-new-central-contracts-list-for-2021-22-459987">From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3UBK96VtrpU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-kohli-rohit-bumrah-dont-play-ex-opener-on-dravid-co-fielding-2-different-playing-xis-in-tests-460229">If Kohli, Rohit &amp; Bumrah don't play...: Ex-opener on Dravid &amp; Co. fielding 2 different playing XIs in Tests</a>

At present, the Indian team head coach Dravid is involved in the Sri Lanka home Test series. Rohit Sharma-led India won the first Test convincingly, without dropping much sweat, to go 1-0 up courtesy an innings and 222 run-win in Mohali. The second and final Test will get underway on March 12, i.e. a day-night affair, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

Rahul Dravid, the current Indian team head coach, remains a big name in world cricket. The former Indian captain's international career spanned from 1996-2012. During his illustrious 16-year-long career at the highest level, Dravid amassed 13,288 Test and 10,889 ODI runs and was known for his risk-free and orthodox style of batting.

Rahul Dravid, the current Indian team head coach, remains a big name in world cricket. The former Indian captain's international career spanned from 1996-2012. During his illustrious 16-year-long career at the highest level, Dravid amassed 13,288 Test and 10,889 ODI runs and was known for his risk-free and orthodox style of batting. During the second and penultimate Test between India and Pakistan, when Inzamam-ul-Haq & Co. toured India in early 2005, Dravid proved former cricketer Arun Lal's prediction wrong in a hilarious manner. When Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar were batting in the middle, with India well-placed at 261-2 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on-air commentators Ramiz Raja and Lal were discussing how Dravid can go about his business in the middle, during spinner Danish Kaneria's over. Ramiz suggested that Dravid can target going over the mid-off region -- as the fielder was well inside the inner circle -- with no protection in the deep. To this, Arun replied by saying that 'The Wall' is known to play orthodox shots and, hence, won't fancy for a glory shot. On the very next delivery, Dravid smacked a huge six, off Kaneria, in the long-on region to prove Arun's prediction wrong and also troll him, unintentionally, in a hilarious manner. The Indian commentator also laughed at the sudden turn of events. Here's the video of Dravid's unexpected six: ALSO READ | From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22 × ALSO READ | If Kohli, Rohit & Bumrah don't play...: Ex-opener on Dravid & Co. fielding 2 different playing XIs in Tests At present, the Indian team head coach Dravid is involved in the Sri Lanka home Test series. Rohit Sharma-led India won the first Test convincingly, without dropping much sweat, to go 1-0 up courtesy an innings and 222 run-win in Mohali. The second and final Test will get underway on March 12, i.e. a day-night affair, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

THROWBACK: When Dravid proved Arun Lal's prediction wrong by hitting a huge six in Indo-Pak Test - WATCH

Rohit Sharma-led Team India thrashed Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in the first Test of the two-match series at home. With an unassailable series lead, it will be interesting to see if the Rahul Dravid-led team management consider any changes in the playing XI for the second and final Test or will they retain the winning combination.

Under Dravid, India have stressed&nbsp;the fact of giving more exposure to the youngsters and testing the bench strength from time to time. Hence, it will be interesting to see what sort of playing XI Rohit &amp; Co. go ahead with for the series decider, which will be a day-night affair at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Ahead of the second and final Test, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra answered&nbsp;a fan's question who asked if Team India should field an alternate playing XI in the longest format, especially in a series of such mismatch (like the ongoing India-SL Tests). In this regard, Chopra made a bold claim.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-top-earners-to-players-with-big-pay-cuts-bccis-new-central-contracts-list-for-2021-22-459987">From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22</a>

"In my opinion, play the best team in Test cricket. You might keep saying that it is the best format but in that format, if we don't play Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah, it will stop. It is already on the ventilator and after that, it will just die," Chopra explained on his Youtube channel.&nbsp;

He added, "It is a good thought to entertain your heart because our full team lost 2-1 in South Africa. We used to win the toss but lose the match. We couldn't even stop fourth-innings run chases, only&nbsp;Rohit Sharma&nbsp;was missing, the entire rest of the team was present. Did we win that, we didn't."

<section>
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/r-ashwin-surpasses-kapil-dev-a-look-at-indias-highest-wicket-takers-in-tests-460007">R Ashwin surpasses Kapil Dev: A look at India's highest wicket-takers in Tests</a>

For the unversed, India have fielded two teams parallelly in the past on two occasions. The most recent one came during India's tour of Sri Lanka in mid-2021, when Dravid-Shikhar Dhawan's Indian team had visited the Island nation for three ODIs and T20Is each. Back then, Ravi Shastri-Virat Kohli's Indian Test team was in the United Kingdom for the five Tests versus hosts Joe Root-led England.
</section>

Rohit Sharma-led Team India thrashed Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in the first Test of the two-match series at home. With an unassailable series lead, it will be interesting to see if the Rahul Dravid-led team management consider any changes in the playing XI for the second and final Test or will they retain the winning combination.

Rohit Sharma-led Team India thrashed Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in the first Test of the two-match series at home. With an unassailable series lead, it will be interesting to see if the Rahul Dravid-led team management consider any changes in the playing XI for the second and final Test or will they retain the winning combination. Under Dravid, India have stressed the fact of giving more exposure to the youngsters and testing the bench strength from time to time. Hence, it will be interesting to see what sort of playing XI Rohit & Co. go ahead with for the series decider, which will be a day-night affair at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Ahead of the second and final Test, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra answered a fan's question who asked if Team India should field an alternate playing XI in the longest format, especially in a series of such mismatch (like the ongoing India-SL Tests). In this regard, Chopra made a bold claim. ALSO READ | From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22 "In my opinion, play the best team in Test cricket. You might keep saying that it is the best format but in that format, if we don't play Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah, it will stop. It is already on the ventilator and after that, it will just die," Chopra explained on his Youtube channel. He added, "It is a good thought to entertain your heart because our full team lost 2-1 in South Africa. We used to win the toss but lose the match. We couldn't even stop fourth-innings run chases, only Rohit Sharma was missing, the entire rest of the team was present. Did we win that, we didn't." ALSO READ | R Ashwin surpasses Kapil Dev: A look at India's highest wicket-takers in Tests For the unversed, India have fielded two teams parallelly in the past on two occasions. The most recent one came during India's tour of Sri Lanka in mid-2021, when Dravid-Shikhar Dhawan's Indian team had visited the Island nation for three ODIs and T20Is each. Back then, Ravi Shastri-Virat Kohli's Indian Test team was in the United Kingdom for the five Tests versus hosts Joe Root-led England.

If Kohli, Rohit & Bumrah don't play...: Ex-opener on Dravid & Co. fielding 2 different playing XIs in Tests

From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22

India thrashed Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in the series opener of the two Tests in Mohali on Sunday (March 06). After dismissing the Lankans for a paltry 174 in the visitors' first essay, following India's 574-8 decl., India bundled out the Islanders for 178 in their following innings to win big and go 1-0 up in the series.

There were quite a few positives for Team India throughout the course of the first Test. While Ravindra Jadeja further grew in stature as an all-rounder, returning with a blistering 175 not out and nine-wicket haul in the match, R Ashwin surpassed Kapil Dev's wicket tally (434) to become India's second-highest wicket-taker (436), after Anil Kumble (619).

After the match, Rohit was asked to comment on how Ashwin still struggles to feature in India's playing XI on a regular basis when playing away from home (in overseas conditions). To this, Hitman said the following in the post-match presser:

“Really, can’t tell you anything about his overseas place - why doesn’t he find it or why is he in the eleven. I honestly, have no idea because I wasn’t a part of the selection at that point so I can’t tell you what happened and why was he left out and why didn’t he play and those kinds of stuff,” Rohit explained.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohlis-gesture-towards-a-disabled-fan-goes-viral-after-indias-massive-win-in-his-historic-test-459881">Watch: Virat Kohli's gesture towards a disabled fan goes viral after India's massive win in his historic Test</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/m3LZHJi3ys">pic.twitter.com/m3LZHJi3ys</a>
— Addicric (@addicric) <a href="https://twitter.com/addicric/status/1500506299880001540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-is-an-all-time-great-rohit-hails-spinner-after-he-becomes-indias-2nd-highest-wicket-taker-in-tests-459841">R Ashwin is an all-time great: Rohit hails spinner after he becomes India's 2nd highest wicket-taker in Tests</a>

At the post-match presentation, Rohit hailed the team effort and said, "It was a good start. It was a great game of cricket from our perspective. We ticked all the boxes we wanted to. To be honest I didn't think it is going to be that kind of a Test match which would get over in three days. It was a good batting pitch, there was some turn and some assistance for the seamers as well. Lot of credit to the guys, they bowled very well in tandem, kept the pressure and never made it easier for the Sri Lanka batsmen. We just ensured we applied pressure from both ends. Good signs for India cricket. Lot of performances, landmark Test match for Virat and we wanted to come out here and win the Test first and foremost. It was heartening to see such big individual performances."

Apart from Ashwin-Jadeja, there were many positives for India in the form of vital runs from new No. 3 batter Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant's 96 and key wickets from Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. The second and final Test commences on March 12 in Bengaluru; i.e. a day-night affair.

India thrashed Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in the series opener of the two Tests in Mohali on Sunday (March 06). After dismissing the Lankans for a paltry 174 in the visitors' first essay, following India's 574-8 decl.

India thrashed Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in the series opener of the two Tests in Mohali on Sunday (March 06). After dismissing the Lankans for a paltry 174 in the visitors' first essay, following India's 574-8 decl., India bundled out the Islanders for 178 in their following innings to win big and go 1-0 up in the series. There were quite a few positives for Team India throughout the course of the first Test. While Ravindra Jadeja further grew in stature as an all-rounder, returning with a blistering 175 not out and nine-wicket haul in the match, R Ashwin surpassed Kapil Dev's wicket tally (434) to become India's second-highest wicket-taker (436), after Anil Kumble (619). After the match, Rohit was asked to comment on how Ashwin still struggles to feature in India's playing XI on a regular basis when playing away from home (in overseas conditions). To this, Hitman said the following in the post-match presser: “Really, can’t tell you anything about his overseas place - why doesn’t he find it or why is he in the eleven. I honestly, have no idea because I wasn’t a part of the selection at that point so I can’t tell you what happened and why was he left out and why didn’t he play and those kinds of stuff,” Rohit explained. ALSO READ | Watch: Virat Kohli's gesture towards a disabled fan goes viral after India's massive win in his historic Test pic.twitter.com/m3LZHJi3ys — Addicric (@addicric) March 6, 2022 × ALSO READ | R Ashwin is an all-time great: Rohit hails spinner after he becomes India's 2nd highest wicket-taker in Tests At the post-match presentation, Rohit hailed the team effort and said, "It was a good start. It was a great game of cricket from our perspective. We ticked all the boxes we wanted to. To be honest I didn't think it is going to be that kind of a Test match which would get over in three days. It was a good batting pitch, there was some turn and some assistance for the seamers as well. Lot of credit to the guys, they bowled very well in tandem, kept the pressure and never made it easier for the Sri Lanka batsmen. We just ensured we applied pressure from both ends. Good signs for India cricket. Lot of performances, landmark Test match for Virat and we wanted to come out here and win the Test first and foremost. It was heartening to see such big individual performances." Apart from Ashwin-Jadeja, there were many positives for India in the form of vital runs from new No. 3 batter Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant's 96 and key wickets from Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. The second and final Test commences on March 12 in Bengaluru; i.e. a day-night affair.

'Honestly, have no idea':  Rohit Sharma on why R Ashwin hasn't featured regularly in overseas Tests

Ahead of the start of the India-Sri Lanka Test series, head coach Rahul Dravid felicitated Virat Kohli on playing his 100th Test match on Friday morning (March 04).&nbsp;

After Rohit Sharma-led Team India won the toss and opted to bat first, at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, Dravid presented Kohli his special cap ahead of his historic outing in whites for the national side. Dravid told, "When you started out as a kid you must have wanted to play one Test for India, you stand here on the cusp of your 100th. It’s a testament to everything that is great in our sport... sweat, discipline, courage, skill, determination, desire, focus, you had it all. You had a great journey. You can be very proud of not only playing the 100th Test match but also for the great journey that you have navigated through."

“Congratulations to you and your family on this fantastic achievement. It is well deserved, it is well earned… hopefully it is just the start of many more bigger things to come and as we say in the dressing room, ‘double it up’," he added.

Here's the video of the felicitation shared by the BCCI's Twitter handle:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
What a moment to commemorate his 100th Test appearance in whites 🙌🏻 
 
Words of appreciation from the Head Coach Rahul Dravid and words of gratitude from <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>👏🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VK100?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VK100</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://t.co/zfX0ZIirdz">pic.twitter.com/zfX0ZIirdz</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1499609812178735105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-set-to-play-100th-test-reliving-former-indian-captains-impressive-run-in-whites-458253">Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites</a>

Kohli, who also had the presence of his wife Anushka Sharma on the ground,&nbsp;acknowledged the BCCI, Team India, his family's support,&nbsp;childhood coach&nbsp;and said, "Thanks, Rahul bhai, it's a special moment for me. My wife is here with me, my brother is there in the stands. It's a team game and the journey wouldn't have been possible without you guys. Thanks to BCCI too. I couldn't have received it from a better person, my childhood hero. I still have that picture with you from my U-15 days."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/great-moment-for-indian-cricket-ganguly-shares-special-message-for-kohli-ahead-of-his-100th-test-watch-458617">Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH</a>

Kohli became the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club, joining the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma.&nbsp;

In 99 Test, Virat has amassed 7,962 runs at an average of over 50, with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He also has most double tons by a Test captain (7) and led India superbly in whites before resigning from the post early this year.

Ahead of the start of the India-Sri Lanka Test series, head coach Rahul Dravid felicitated Virat Kohli on playing his 100th Test match on Friday morning (March 04).

Ahead of the start of the India-Sri Lanka Test series, head coach Rahul Dravid felicitated Virat Kohli on playing his 100th Test match on Friday morning (March 04). After Rohit Sharma-led Team India won the toss and opted to bat first, at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, Dravid presented Kohli his special cap ahead of his historic outing in whites for the national side. Dravid told, "When you started out as a kid you must have wanted to play one Test for India, you stand here on the cusp of your 100th. It’s a testament to everything that is great in our sport... sweat, discipline, courage, skill, determination, desire, focus, you had it all. You had a great journey. You can be very proud of not only playing the 100th Test match but also for the great journey that you have navigated through." “Congratulations to you and your family on this fantastic achievement. It is well deserved, it is well earned… hopefully it is just the start of many more bigger things to come and as we say in the dressing room, ‘double it up’," he added. Here's the video of the felicitation shared by the BCCI's Twitter handle: What a moment to commemorate his 100th Test appearance in whites 🙌🏻 Words of appreciation from the Head Coach Rahul Dravid and words of gratitude from @imVkohli👏🏻#VK100 | #INDvSL | @Paytm pic.twitter.com/zfX0ZIirdz — BCCI (@BCCI) March 4, 2022 × ALSO READ | Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites Kohli, who also had the presence of his wife Anushka Sharma on the ground, acknowledged the BCCI, Team India, his family's support, childhood coach and said, "Thanks, Rahul bhai, it's a special moment for me. My wife is here with me, my brother is there in the stands. It's a team game and the journey wouldn't have been possible without you guys. Thanks to BCCI too. I couldn't have received it from a better person, my childhood hero. I still have that picture with you from my U-15 days." ALSO READ | Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH Kohli became the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club, joining the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma. In 99 Test, Virat has amassed 7,962 runs at an average of over 50, with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He also has most double tons by a Test captain (7) and led India superbly in whites before resigning from the post early this year.

Virat Kohli's 100th Test: Rahul Dravid felicitates ex-captain ahead of series opener vs Sri Lanka - WATCH

Virat Kohli featured in his 100th Test when India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener on Friday (March 04) in Mohali. Coming out to bat at No. 4 in his historic Test match, after India won the toss andwere 80-2, Kohli stitched a valuable 90-run third-wicket stand with Hanuma Vihari (58) before departing for a well-made 76-ball 45.

Thus, Kohli could once again not&nbsp;break his two-year-long century drought at the international level. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old former captain isn't gutted by not scoring daddy hundreds and is content with churning out valuable performances for the team's sake. Speaking to the press after stumps on Day 1 of the first Test, with India well-placed at 357-6, Kohli stated that he is still 'performing consistently'.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-batters-have-a-scope-for-improvement-in-tackling-spin-gambhir-on-kohli-mayanks-dismissal-458953">Indian batters have a scope for improvement in tackling spin: Gambhir on Kohli, Mayank's dismissal</a>

He told after stumps on Day 1, "I am preparing exactly the way I have prepared all along. As long as I am batting well, I am not bothered at all. People look at milestones and talk about a lot of things which are just a conversation on the outside, I know for a fact that I have been involved in very important partnerships for the team in the recent past."

"Everyone's point of view is different, my point of view is very different at the moment. If people are not getting to see me getting those big scores game after game, it's probably down to their own expectations of me and the standards that have not been set randomly. I have been performing consistently and hence the expectations are there. Even today, that partnership of 90 was important for us after we were 2 down for 80-odd," Kohli pointed out.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-adds-another-feather-in-illustrious-hat-during-100th-test-becomes-6th-indian-to-enter-8000-run-club-458868">Kohli adds another feather in illustrious hat during 100th Test, becomes 6th Indian to enter 8,000-run club</a>

He added, "As long as your focus is on the right things, I am not too worried about milestones. I have never been bothered about that. These conversations always happen on the outside and they will continue to do so because we somehow are crazy about milestones and materialistic achievements. I certainly don't like that. I am batting well and that for me is the most important thing."

After Kohli and Vihari's dismissals, India rode on Rishabh Pant's attacking and entertaining 96 and Ravindra Jadeja's 45 not out to go to stumps at 357-6. They will now look to take the team score beyond the 450-run mark with a decent tail at their disposal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Virat Kohli featured in his 100th Test when India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener on Friday (March 04) in Mohali. Coming out to bat at No.

Virat Kohli featured in his 100th Test when India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener on Friday (March 04) in Mohali. Coming out to bat at No. 4 in his historic Test match, after India won the toss andwere 80-2, Kohli stitched a valuable 90-run third-wicket stand with Hanuma Vihari (58) before departing for a well-made 76-ball 45. Thus, Kohli could once again not break his two-year-long century drought at the international level. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old former captain isn't gutted by not scoring daddy hundreds and is content with churning out valuable performances for the team's sake. Speaking to the press after stumps on Day 1 of the first Test, with India well-placed at 357-6, Kohli stated that he is still 'performing consistently'. ALSO READ | Indian batters have a scope for improvement in tackling spin: Gambhir on Kohli, Mayank's dismissal He told after stumps on Day 1, "I am preparing exactly the way I have prepared all along. As long as I am batting well, I am not bothered at all. People look at milestones and talk about a lot of things which are just a conversation on the outside, I know for a fact that I have been involved in very important partnerships for the team in the recent past." "Everyone's point of view is different, my point of view is very different at the moment. If people are not getting to see me getting those big scores game after game, it's probably down to their own expectations of me and the standards that have not been set randomly. I have been performing consistently and hence the expectations are there. Even today, that partnership of 90 was important for us after we were 2 down for 80-odd," Kohli pointed out. ALSO READ | Kohli adds another feather in illustrious hat during 100th Test, becomes 6th Indian to enter 8,000-run club He added, "As long as your focus is on the right things, I am not too worried about milestones. I have never been bothered about that. These conversations always happen on the outside and they will continue to do so because we somehow are crazy about milestones and materialistic achievements. I certainly don't like that. I am batting well and that for me is the most important thing." After Kohli and Vihari's dismissals, India rode on Rishabh Pant's attacking and entertaining 96 and Ravindra Jadeja's 45 not out to go to stumps at 357-6. They will now look to take the team score beyond the 450-run mark with a decent tail at their disposal.

I am not too worried about milestones, says Virat Kohli after big scores continue to evade him

Team India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series opener at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Friday (March 04). Former captain Virat Kohli headlined the day's proceedings as he featured&nbsp;in his 100th game in whites and, thus, joined an elite list of Indian cricketers to have done the same, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, etc.

Coming out to bat, after India won the toss and were 80/2, Kohli joined forces with No. 3 batter Hanuma Vihari and stitched an impressive 90-run stand for the third-wicket before falling for a good-looking 45 (76). On the other hand, the likes of captain Rohit Sharma (29), Mayank Agarwal (33), Vihari (58) and Shreyas Iyer (27) also got starts but were all back in the pavillion by the end of second session.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/because-of-his-stature-no-one-ex-selector-slams-bcci-chief-sourav-ganguly-for-attending-team-meetings-458929">'Because of his stature, no one...': Ex-selector slams BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly for attending team meetings</a>

Speaking on the post-Tea show on Star Sports on Day 1 of the first Test, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir shared a word of advice for&nbsp;the Indian batters following their dismissals.&nbsp;

“One of the major concerns is that the bat is in the line of pads. When that happens, it is difficult to play deliveries that turn away as well as those that don't turn,” Gambhir noted.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gautam-gambhir-names-two-batters-who-can-replace-axed-duo-pujara-and-rahane-for-india-in-tests-458901">Gautam Gambhir names two batters who can replace axed duo Pujara and Rahane for India in Tests</a>

Reflecting on Kohli and Mayank's dismissals, Gambhir said, "If you keep your bat ahead of your pad, you will be beaten only on one edge. When you look at Mayank Agarwal's dismissal, he was beaten on the inside edge. In Virat Kohli's case, he was beaten on the outside edge. So, it is very important to have your bat ahead of your pad.”

“This is usually taught in formative years. Nowadays, you play so much limited-overs cricket that you lose your basics, the good habits die down. You've concentrated significantly on fast bowling, so I believe Indian batters have a scope for improvement in tackling spin,” added Gambhir.

Riding on Rishabh Pant's 96 and Ravindra Jadeja's 45 not out India reached 357-6 at stumps on Day 1 in Mohali. They will like to stretch the total beyond the 450-run mark on Day 2.

Team India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series opener at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Friday (March 04). Former captain Virat Kohli headlined the day's proceedings as he featured in his 100th game in whites and, thus, joined an elite list of Indian cricketers to have done the same, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, etc.

Team India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series opener at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Friday (March 04). Former captain Virat Kohli headlined the day's proceedings as he featured in his 100th game in whites and, thus, joined an elite list of Indian cricketers to have done the same, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, etc. Coming out to bat, after India won the toss and were 80/2, Kohli joined forces with No. 3 batter Hanuma Vihari and stitched an impressive 90-run stand for the third-wicket before falling for a good-looking 45 (76). On the other hand, the likes of captain Rohit Sharma (29), Mayank Agarwal (33), Vihari (58) and Shreyas Iyer (27) also got starts but were all back in the pavillion by the end of second session. ALSO READ | 'Because of his stature, no one...': Ex-selector slams BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly for attending team meetings Speaking on the post-Tea show on Star Sports on Day 1 of the first Test, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir shared a word of advice for the Indian batters following their dismissals. “One of the major concerns is that the bat is in the line of pads. When that happens, it is difficult to play deliveries that turn away as well as those that don't turn,” Gambhir noted. ALSO READ | Gautam Gambhir names two batters who can replace axed duo Pujara and Rahane for India in Tests Reflecting on Kohli and Mayank's dismissals, Gambhir said, "If you keep your bat ahead of your pad, you will be beaten only on one edge. When you look at Mayank Agarwal's dismissal, he was beaten on the inside edge. In Virat Kohli's case, he was beaten on the outside edge. So, it is very important to have your bat ahead of your pad.” “This is usually taught in formative years. Nowadays, you play so much limited-overs cricket that you lose your basics, the good habits die down. You've concentrated significantly on fast bowling, so I believe Indian batters have a scope for improvement in tackling spin,” added Gambhir. Riding on Rishabh Pant's 96 and Ravindra Jadeja's 45 not out India reached 357-6 at stumps on Day 1 in Mohali. They will like to stretch the total beyond the 450-run mark on Day 2.

Indian batters have a scope for improvement in tackling spin: Gambhir on Kohli, Mayank's dismissal

A former BCCI selector has dropped a bomb regarding the Indian cricket board's President Sourav Ganguly. Some time back, reports were flowing in that Ganguly often takes part in team selection meetings, contrary to the constitution of the BCCI (which doesn't allow the board's chief's presence). Thus, a couple of ex-selectors have&nbsp;now opened up in this regard and stated that the former Indian captain's presence in team meetings have been a cause of concern.

As per a report carried out by the Indian Express, on Friday (March 04), a&nbsp;couple of former members of the selection committee have come forward and claimed&nbsp;that the 49-year-old Ganguly&nbsp;is indeed present during the Indian team selection meetings.&nbsp;

"Because of his stature and position, no one could object. It made many committee members uncomfortable and guarded in expressing their opinion," one of the former selectors&nbsp;told IE on the condition of anonymity.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/great-moment-for-indian-cricket-ganguly-shares-special-message-for-kohli-ahead-of-his-100th-test-watch-458617">Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH</a>

Earlier, a lot was said and written about Ganguly's presence in team meetings during the&nbsp;Virat Kohli-Sourav Ganguly saga that transpired in December 2021. Back then, a picture had also gone viral on social media platforms comprising Ganguly, Rohit Sharma, Kohli and&nbsp;several members of the selection committee sitting together, in 2019, in the BCCI office. Thus, eyebrows were raised as it implied that Ganguly does remain a part of such&nbsp;meetings.&nbsp;

In this regard, Ganguly had clarified and told PTI, "I don't think I need to answer anybody, anything (on this) and dignify any of these baseless accusations. I am the president of the BCCI and I do the job of what the president of the BCCI should be doing. (I have played) 424 international matches for India. Not a bad idea at times to remind people about it, isn't it?"

It will be interesting to see how the former captain responds to the accusations made by a couple of ex-selectors.

A former BCCI selector has dropped a bomb regarding the Indian cricket board's President Sourav Ganguly. Some time back, reports were flowing in that Ganguly often takes part in team selection meetings, contrary to the constitution of the BCCI (which doesn't allow the board's chief's presence).

A former BCCI selector has dropped a bomb regarding the Indian cricket board's President Sourav Ganguly. Some time back, reports were flowing in that Ganguly often takes part in team selection meetings, contrary to the constitution of the BCCI (which doesn't allow the board's chief's presence). Thus, a couple of ex-selectors have now opened up in this regard and stated that the former Indian captain's presence in team meetings have been a cause of concern. As per a report carried out by the Indian Express, on Friday (March 04), a couple of former members of the selection committee have come forward and claimed that the 49-year-old Ganguly is indeed present during the Indian team selection meetings. "Because of his stature and position, no one could object. It made many committee members uncomfortable and guarded in expressing their opinion," one of the former selectors told IE on the condition of anonymity. ALSO READ | Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH Earlier, a lot was said and written about Ganguly's presence in team meetings during the Virat Kohli-Sourav Ganguly saga that transpired in December 2021. Back then, a picture had also gone viral on social media platforms comprising Ganguly, Rohit Sharma, Kohli and several members of the selection committee sitting together, in 2019, in the BCCI office. Thus, eyebrows were raised as it implied that Ganguly does remain a part of such meetings. In this regard, Ganguly had clarified and told PTI, "I don't think I need to answer anybody, anything (on this) and dignify any of these baseless accusations. I am the president of the BCCI and I do the job of what the president of the BCCI should be doing. (I have played) 424 international matches for India. Not a bad idea at times to remind people about it, isn't it?" It will be interesting to see how the former captain responds to the accusations made by a couple of ex-selectors.

'Because of his stature, no one...': Ex-selector slams BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly for attending team meetings

Team India is set to be back in action in the 22-yard cricket strip as they host Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series opener, which gets underway on Friday (March 04). India, thus, return to the red-ball format after a disappointing series in South Africa early this year, where the Dean Elgar-led Proteas beat the Indian team 2-1. With a plethora of series lined-up at home, Rohit Sharma-led India will aim to climb up the ladder in the points table of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) second cycle, wiht the finale to be held next year.

The series opener will see the commencement of Rohit's captaincy tenure in whites. On the other hand, the opening Test will be Virat Kohli's 100th appearance in whites and, thus, all focus will be on him. Apart from Kohli, ardent Indian cricket fans will also be eager to see how the middle-order performs sans axed duo Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. For Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders, it will be a huge challenge to upset the daunting hosts as they remain a solid force at home. In SL's last Test series on Indian soil, they did put up a good fight but lost 1-0.&nbsp;

Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc.&nbsp;

When is India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place?

The India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match is scheduled to take place on March 04, 2022.&nbsp;

Where is India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place?

India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will take place at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali in India.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/great-moment-for-indian-cricket-ganguly-shares-special-message-for-kohli-ahead-of-his-100th-test-watch-458617">Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH</a>

At what time India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place?

India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will kick off at 9:30am IST.

How to watch India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match live on TV?

India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, and Star Sports 1 Kannada.&nbsp;

How to watch India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match live streaming?

India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will be available to watch online/streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar App and the website.&nbsp;

Team India is set to be back in action in the 22-yard cricket strip as they host Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series opener, which gets underway on Friday (March 04).

Team India is set to be back in action in the 22-yard cricket strip as they host Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series opener, which gets underway on Friday (March 04). India, thus, return to the red-ball format after a disappointing series in South Africa early this year, where the Dean Elgar-led Proteas beat the Indian team 2-1. With a plethora of series lined-up at home, Rohit Sharma-led India will aim to climb up the ladder in the points table of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) second cycle, wiht the finale to be held next year. The series opener will see the commencement of Rohit's captaincy tenure in whites. On the other hand, the opening Test will be Virat Kohli's 100th appearance in whites and, thus, all focus will be on him. Apart from Kohli, ardent Indian cricket fans will also be eager to see how the middle-order performs sans axed duo Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. For Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders, it will be a huge challenge to upset the daunting hosts as they remain a solid force at home. In SL's last Test series on Indian soil, they did put up a good fight but lost 1-0. Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc. When is India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place? The India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match is scheduled to take place on March 04, 2022. Where is India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place? India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will take place at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali in India. ALSO READ | Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH At what time India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place? India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will kick off at 9:30am IST. How to watch India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match live on TV? India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, and Star Sports 1 Kannada. How to watch India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match live streaming? India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will be available to watch online/streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar App and the website.

INDvsSL: When and where to watch India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match - IST time and streaming details

Virat Kohli, on Friday (March 04), became the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener, in Mohali. Coming out to bat at No. 4, Kohli made his 100th Test more special by becoming the sixth Indian to enter the 8,000-run club in the purest format of the game (32nd overall).

The 33-year-old former captain Kohli&nbsp;joined the likes of&nbsp;Sachin Tendulkar&nbsp;(15921),&nbsp;Rahul Dravid&nbsp;(13265), Sunil Gavaskar (10122), VVS Laxman (8781) and Virender Sehwag (8503) in the elite list. Moreover, he is also the fifth-fastest to the milestone among Indian batsmen.

Fastest Indian players to 8000 Test runs - by innings: 

154 - Sachin Tendulkar

158 - Rahul Dravid

160 - Virender Sehwag

166 - Sunil Gavaskar

169 - Virat Kohli*

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-100th-test-rahul-dravid-felicitates-ex-captain-ahead-of-series-opener-vs-sri-lanka-watch-458817">Virat Kohli's 100th Test: Rahul Dravid felicitates ex-captain ahead of series opener vs Sri Lanka - WATCH</a>

Kohli came out to bat when India were 80-2, after opting to bat first, and stitched a handy 90-run partnership for the third wicket with Hanuma Vihari (58). Eventually, the right-hander fell for 45 and once again failed to end his century-drought at the highest level (since late 2019).&nbsp;

Before the start of the&nbsp;Test series opener, head coach Rahul Dravid felicitated Kohli ahead of his 100th Test appearance in Mohali. In a video shared by BCCI, Dravid told, "When you started out as a kid you must have wanted to play one Test for India, you stand here on the cusp of your 100th. It’s a testament to everything that is great in our sport... sweat, discipline, courage, skill, determination, desire, focus, you had it all. You had a great journey. You can be very proud of not only playing the 100th Test match but also for the great journey that you have navigated through."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gavaskar-lauds-virat-kohli-for-entering-100-test-club-compares-him-with-pakistans-iconic-player-watch-458831">Gavaskar lauds Virat Kohli for entering 100-Test club, compares him with Pakistan's iconic player - WATCH</a>

“Congratulations to you and your family on this fantastic achievement. It is well deserved, it is well earned… hopefully it is just the start of many more bigger things to come and as we say in the dressing room, ‘double it up’," he added.

Virat Kohli, on Friday (March 04), became the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when Rohit Sharma & Co. locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener, in Mohali.

Virat Kohli, on Friday (March 04), became the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when Rohit Sharma & Co. locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener, in Mohali. Coming out to bat at No. 4, Kohli made his 100th Test more special by becoming the sixth Indian to enter the 8,000-run club in the purest format of the game (32nd overall). The 33-year-old former captain Kohli joined the likes of Sachin Tendulkar (15921), Rahul Dravid (13265), Sunil Gavaskar (10122), VVS Laxman (8781) and Virender Sehwag (8503) in the elite list. Moreover, he is also the fifth-fastest to the milestone among Indian batsmen. Fastest Indian players to 8000 Test runs - by innings: 154 - Sachin Tendulkar 158 - Rahul Dravid 160 - Virender Sehwag 166 - Sunil Gavaskar 169 - Virat Kohli* ALSO READ | Virat Kohli's 100th Test: Rahul Dravid felicitates ex-captain ahead of series opener vs Sri Lanka - WATCH Kohli came out to bat when India were 80-2, after opting to bat first, and stitched a handy 90-run partnership for the third wicket with Hanuma Vihari (58). Eventually, the right-hander fell for 45 and once again failed to end his century-drought at the highest level (since late 2019). Before the start of the Test series opener, head coach Rahul Dravid felicitated Kohli ahead of his 100th Test appearance in Mohali. In a video shared by BCCI, Dravid told, "When you started out as a kid you must have wanted to play one Test for India, you stand here on the cusp of your 100th. It’s a testament to everything that is great in our sport... sweat, discipline, courage, skill, determination, desire, focus, you had it all. You had a great journey. You can be very proud of not only playing the 100th Test match but also for the great journey that you have navigated through." ALSO READ | Gavaskar lauds Virat Kohli for entering 100-Test club, compares him with Pakistan's iconic player - WATCH “Congratulations to you and your family on this fantastic achievement. It is well deserved, it is well earned… hopefully it is just the start of many more bigger things to come and as we say in the dressing room, ‘double it up’," he added.

Kohli adds another feather in illustrious hat during 100th Test, becomes 6th Indian to enter 8,000-run club

On Friday (March 04), Virat Kohli added another feather to his illustrious hat by entering the elite 100-Test club as India took on Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the first Test. Among Indians, the 33-year-old ex-captain has become the 12th Test player to enter the elusive club. The right-hander, thus, joined a special list of Indians, comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma to have played 100, or more, matches in whites.

Ahead of Kohli's special feat, Little Master Gavaskar lavished huge praise on the former skipper&nbsp;for his achievements and compared him with an iconic Pakistani cricketer.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-100th-test-rahul-dravid-felicitates-ex-captain-ahead-of-1st-test-vs-sri-lanka-watch-458817">Virat Kohli's 100th Test: Rahul Dravid felicitates ex-captain ahead of series opener vs Sri Lanka - WATCH</a>

Talking to&nbsp;BCCI.TV, Gavaskar said, "Playing 100 Tests for your country is an incredible feeling, all of us when we were kids playing in the compounds of our house, we dream of playing for India. After playing for the country and you come to your 100th Test, it is an incredible feeling. Reaching the 100th Test means you have played for the country very successfully. No career will be smooth, there will be highs and lows."

"To provoke a fast bowler takes something else. Kohli is one of the rare batters who likes to sledge bowlers. He has been different, he likes to get under their skin. He is like Javed Miandad in that sense. His progress has been phenomenal, the consistency with which he has played, the 100th Test and beyond should be more of the same," pointed out the&nbsp;ex-Indian skipper.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-set-to-play-100th-test-reliving-former-indian-captains-impressive-run-in-whites-458253">Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites</a>

Kohli has had a memorable run in the purest format of the game. He averages over 50 and has scored 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He has also completed 8,000 Test runs during his 100th outing in the ongoing two-match series opener versus Sri Lanka, being held in Mohali. Needless to say, Kohli will like to make the most of his special Test with a big score and end his century-drought with the bat.

On Friday (March 04), Virat Kohli added another feather to his illustrious hat by entering the elite 100-Test club as India took on Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the first Test.

On Friday (March 04), Virat Kohli added another feather to his illustrious hat by entering the elite 100-Test club as India took on Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the first Test. Among Indians, the 33-year-old ex-captain has become the 12th Test player to enter the elusive club. The right-hander, thus, joined a special list of Indians, comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma to have played 100, or more, matches in whites. Ahead of Kohli's special feat, Little Master Gavaskar lavished huge praise on the former skipper for his achievements and compared him with an iconic Pakistani cricketer. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli's 100th Test: Rahul Dravid felicitates ex-captain ahead of series opener vs Sri Lanka - WATCH Talking to BCCI.TV, Gavaskar said, "Playing 100 Tests for your country is an incredible feeling, all of us when we were kids playing in the compounds of our house, we dream of playing for India. After playing for the country and you come to your 100th Test, it is an incredible feeling. Reaching the 100th Test means you have played for the country very successfully. No career will be smooth, there will be highs and lows." "To provoke a fast bowler takes something else. Kohli is one of the rare batters who likes to sledge bowlers. He has been different, he likes to get under their skin. He is like Javed Miandad in that sense. His progress has been phenomenal, the consistency with which he has played, the 100th Test and beyond should be more of the same," pointed out the ex-Indian skipper. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites Kohli has had a memorable run in the purest format of the game. He averages over 50 and has scored 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He has also completed 8,000 Test runs during his 100th outing in the ongoing two-match series opener versus Sri Lanka, being held in Mohali. Needless to say, Kohli will like to make the most of his special Test with a big score and end his century-drought with the bat.

Gavaskar lauds Virat Kohli for entering 100-Test club, compares him with Pakistan's iconic player - WATCH

Virat Kohli will become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when he takes on the field during the national side's first Test versus Sri Lanka, in Mohali, on March 04. The 33-year-old will join an elite list of Indians, spearheaded by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, by featuring in his 100th outing in whites.

Kohli will join Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, Dilip Vengsarkar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma in the 100-Test club. So far, he has amassed 7,962 runs in 99 games -- at an average of over 50 -- with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries.

Along with his splendid run with the bat, Kohli is also India's most successful Test captain. He signed off as the Test captain recently, resigning from the post earlier this year, with 40 wins from 68 encounters. Ahead of his landmark Test match, BCCI chief Ganguly heaped praise on Kohli and shared a special message for him.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-virat-kohli-reflects-on-his-journey-ahead-of-historic-100th-test-watch-458601">India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli reflects on his journey ahead of historic 100th Test - WATCH</a>

&nbsp;

"It is a huge landmark in any cricketer’s career. Playing a hundred Test matches is something you dream of when you start playing for the country. It’s a great moment for Virat, it’s a great moment for Indian cricket. I have personally been in this situation and realized how humongous and momentous this is personally for any cricketer," stated the former cricketer.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cao2U-1AKfU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cao2U-1AKfU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cao2U-1AKfU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cao2U-1AKfU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam)</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Virat’s had a great journey. Starting 10-11 years ago and getting to where he has reached today is an exceptional achievement. On behalf of BCCI and also a former captain and player who has played 100 Test matches and more, I wish him all the very best," Ganguly added. "He has had a fantastic career and he is still got some time left to achieve the greater milestone and I hope he continues doing that. Congratulations to him, his family, his coach and all those who were involved in his cricketing career," he concluded.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-100th-test-rohit-sharma-shares-his-best-memory-of-former-indian-captain-in-whites-458539">Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites</a>

Kohli also reacted to his historic feat. In a video posted by the BCCI, on Thursday (March 03), he said, "I honestly never thought I would play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. We played a lot of cricket over the course of playing those 100 Test matches. A lot of international cricket. I am just grateful that I've been able to make it to 100. God has been kind. I have worked really hard for my fitness. It's a big moment for me, for my family, for my coach, who is also very happy and very proud of this Test match as long as I am concerned."

"I never grew up thinking that I have to score small runs, the idea was to score big runs. I scored a lot of double hundreds in junior cricket. My idea was to bat long and I enjoyed doing that. These things took a lot out of you and it revealed your true character. Test cricket needed to stay alive, for me, this is real cricket," he added.

Virat Kohli will become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when he takes on the field during the national side's first Test versus Sri Lanka, in Mohali, on March 04.

Virat Kohli will become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when he takes on the field during the national side's first Test versus Sri Lanka, in Mohali, on March 04. The 33-year-old will join an elite list of Indians, spearheaded by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, by featuring in his 100th outing in whites. Kohli will join Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, Dilip Vengsarkar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma in the 100-Test club. So far, he has amassed 7,962 runs in 99 games -- at an average of over 50 -- with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. Along with his splendid run with the bat, Kohli is also India's most successful Test captain. He signed off as the Test captain recently, resigning from the post earlier this year, with 40 wins from 68 encounters. Ahead of his landmark Test match, BCCI chief Ganguly heaped praise on Kohli and shared a special message for him. ALSO READ | India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli reflects on his journey ahead of historic 100th Test - WATCH "It is a huge landmark in any cricketer’s career. Playing a hundred Test matches is something you dream of when you start playing for the country. It’s a great moment for Virat, it’s a great moment for Indian cricket. I have personally been in this situation and realized how humongous and momentous this is personally for any cricketer," stated the former cricketer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam) × "Virat’s had a great journey. Starting 10-11 years ago and getting to where he has reached today is an exceptional achievement. On behalf of BCCI and also a former captain and player who has played 100 Test matches and more, I wish him all the very best," Ganguly added. "He has had a fantastic career and he is still got some time left to achieve the greater milestone and I hope he continues doing that. Congratulations to him, his family, his coach and all those who were involved in his cricketing career," he concluded. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites Kohli also reacted to his historic feat. In a video posted by the BCCI, on Thursday (March 03), he said, "I honestly never thought I would play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. We played a lot of cricket over the course of playing those 100 Test matches. A lot of international cricket. I am just grateful that I've been able to make it to 100. God has been kind. I have worked really hard for my fitness. It's a big moment for me, for my family, for my coach, who is also very happy and very proud of this Test match as long as I am concerned." "I never grew up thinking that I have to score small runs, the idea was to score big runs. I scored a lot of double hundreds in junior cricket. My idea was to bat long and I enjoyed doing that. These things took a lot out of you and it revealed your true character. Test cricket needed to stay alive, for me, this is real cricket," he added.

Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH

Virat Kohli is set to become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when India lock horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Thus, Kohli will add another feather to his illustrious hat by joining some big Indian names in the elite club.

Among Indians, Kohli will join the list spearheaded by Sachin Tendulkar. It also comprises Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Dilip Vengsarkar, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma.

Ahead of his historic Test match, the 33-year-old former Indian captain Kohli reflected on his memorable journey. "I honestly never thought I would play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. We played a lot of cricket over the course of playing those 100 Test matches. A lot of international cricket. I am just grateful that I've been able to make it to 100. God has been kind. I have worked really hard for my fitness. It's a big moment for me, for my family, for my coach, who is also very happy and very proud of this Test match as long as I am concerned,"&nbsp;Kohli said in a video posted by BCCI.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
'I never thought i'll play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. Grateful that i've been able to make it to 100' - <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> on his landmark Test. 
 
Full interview coming up on <a href="https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ">https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ</a>. Stay tuned! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VK100?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VK100</a> <a href="https://t.co/SFehIolPwb">pic.twitter.com/SFehIolPwb</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1499300756205101058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I never grew up thinking that I have to score small runs, the idea was to score big runs. I scored a lot of double hundreds in junior cricket. My idea was to bat long and I enjoyed doing that. These things took a lot out of you and it revealed your true character. Test cricket needed to stay alive, for me, this is real cricket," he added.

In 99 Tests, Kohli has amassed 7,962 runs at an average of&nbsp;50.39 with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He is the sixth-highest run-getter among Indians and has fourth-most centuries&nbsp;among his countrymen. The right-hander also ended a glorious run as Test captain, resigning earlier this year, with most wins as an Indian skipper (40 in 68 games).

Virat Kohli is set to become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when India lock horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday).

Virat Kohli is set to become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when India lock horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Thus, Kohli will add another feather to his illustrious hat by joining some big Indian names in the elite club. Among Indians, Kohli will join the list spearheaded by Sachin Tendulkar. It also comprises Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Dilip Vengsarkar, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma. Ahead of his historic Test match, the 33-year-old former Indian captain Kohli reflected on his memorable journey. "I honestly never thought I would play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. We played a lot of cricket over the course of playing those 100 Test matches. A lot of international cricket. I am just grateful that I've been able to make it to 100. God has been kind. I have worked really hard for my fitness. It's a big moment for me, for my family, for my coach, who is also very happy and very proud of this Test match as long as I am concerned," Kohli said in a video posted by BCCI. 'I never thought i'll play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. Grateful that i've been able to make it to 100' - @imVkohli on his landmark Test. Full interview coming up on https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ. Stay tuned! #VK100 pic.twitter.com/SFehIolPwb — BCCI (@BCCI) March 3, 2022 × "I never grew up thinking that I have to score small runs, the idea was to score big runs. I scored a lot of double hundreds in junior cricket. My idea was to bat long and I enjoyed doing that. These things took a lot out of you and it revealed your true character. Test cricket needed to stay alive, for me, this is real cricket," he added. In 99 Tests, Kohli has amassed 7,962 runs at an average of 50.39 with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He is the sixth-highest run-getter among Indians and has fourth-most centuries among his countrymen. The right-hander also ended a glorious run as Test captain, resigning earlier this year, with most wins as an Indian skipper (40 in 68 games).

India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli reflects on his journey ahead of historic 100th Test - WATCH

Team India is entering a new phase in Test cricket with the commencement of the two-match home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. While it will see the beginning of Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy era, the national side will also see a transition phase taking place after seniors such as Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha got dropped prior to the series opener.

Talking about Rahane and Pujara, the duo had an ordinary run for quite some time and paid the price eventually. While the former est vice-captain Rahane didn't score a hundred since his MCG ton in late 2020, Pujara's last triple-figure knock came in early 2019. Since then, the senior pros got a long rope but couldn't do anything significant to be dropped before the SL home series.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lot-of-credit-for-indias-success-goes-to-virat-kohli-says-rohit-sharma-ahead-of-ex-captains-100th-test-458561">Lot of credit for India's success goes to Virat Kohli, says Rohit Sharma ahead of ex-captain's 100th Test</a>

Speaking ahead of the first Test in Mohali, during the press conference, captain Rohit spoke on the duo's absence and said, "Never easy to fill in big shoes of Rahane and Pujara. You can't put it in words what they have done for the team."

Revealing that both Pujara and Rahane can still make a comeback into the Test line-up, Rohit added, "Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane played big part in India becoming No.1 in Tests. It's just for now, we didn't consider them."

At present, India is at the No. 2 spot in ICC Test Rankings, behind top-ranked Pat Cummins-led Australia. However, the Indian team enjoyed considerable success in whites, topping the ICC Test rankings in the recent past, and Rohit acknowledged Pujara-Rahane's contributions to the side's success.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-100th-test-rohit-sharma-shares-his-best-memory-of-former-indian-captain-in-whites-458539">Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites</a>

India's Test squad for Sri Lanka series:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

Team India is entering a new phase in Test cricket with the commencement of the two-match home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali.

Team India is entering a new phase in Test cricket with the commencement of the two-match home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. While it will see the beginning of Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy era, the national side will also see a transition phase taking place after seniors such as Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha got dropped prior to the series opener. Talking about Rahane and Pujara, the duo had an ordinary run for quite some time and paid the price eventually. While the former est vice-captain Rahane didn't score a hundred since his MCG ton in late 2020, Pujara's last triple-figure knock came in early 2019. Since then, the senior pros got a long rope but couldn't do anything significant to be dropped before the SL home series. ALSO READ | Lot of credit for India's success goes to Virat Kohli, says Rohit Sharma ahead of ex-captain's 100th Test Speaking ahead of the first Test in Mohali, during the press conference, captain Rohit spoke on the duo's absence and said, "Never easy to fill in big shoes of Rahane and Pujara. You can't put it in words what they have done for the team." Revealing that both Pujara and Rahane can still make a comeback into the Test line-up, Rohit added, "Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane played big part in India becoming No.1 in Tests. It's just for now, we didn't consider them." At present, India is at the No. 2 spot in ICC Test Rankings, behind top-ranked Pat Cummins-led Australia. However, the Indian team enjoyed considerable success in whites, topping the ICC Test rankings in the recent past, and Rohit acknowledged Pujara-Rahane's contributions to the side's success. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites India's Test squad for Sri Lanka series: Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

Rahane and Pujara played a huge part in India becoming No. 1 in Tests, says captain Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is set to begin his Test captaincy era as India face Sri Lanka in the series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Rohit was appointed as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the Test skipper post the India-South Africa series, in the African nation, held early this year.

While Rohit's credentials as a white-ball skipper is already known to the world, given his splendid record as IPL captain and magnificent start as full-time limited-overs captain, it will be the first time that Hitman will lead India in whites during the SL home series. The 34-year-old has a stiff job in hand to take Indian cricket forward in whites after his predecessor Kohli's flawless run as the leader in the red-ball format.

Kohli took over as India's captain after MS Dhoni's Test retirement and led the national side for seven years. Under him, India won their first-ever Test series on Australian soil, have an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom (held last year), dominated at home and also ended as the top-ranked side in ICC Test Rankings for five successive years. Thus, Rohit has big shoes to fill and has his task cut out.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-100th-test-rohit-sharma-shares-his-best-memory-of-former-indian-captain-in-whites-458539">Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites</a>

Ahead of the SL series, Rohit opined on his new role as the Test captain and said at a virtual presser, "Honestly, I just want to win matches. I want to do the right things with the squad we have. We are in a good position and over the last five years have done well. A lot of credit for that goes to Virat Kohli."

Rohit further lauded Kohli -- who is set to play his 100th Test in the series opener -- and said, "It has been a long journey for him and it has been a wonderful one. He has done exceedingly well in this format, he has changed so many things in the way the team is moving forward. It has been one hell of a ride for him and it will continue to be in the coming years."

Rohit Sharma is set to begin his Test captaincy era as India face Sri Lanka in the series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Rohit was appointed as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the Test skipper post the India-South Africa series, in the African nation, held early this year.

Rohit Sharma is set to begin his Test captaincy era as India face Sri Lanka in the series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Rohit was appointed as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the Test skipper post the India-South Africa series, in the African nation, held early this year. While Rohit's credentials as a white-ball skipper is already known to the world, given his splendid record as IPL captain and magnificent start as full-time limited-overs captain, it will be the first time that Hitman will lead India in whites during the SL home series. The 34-year-old has a stiff job in hand to take Indian cricket forward in whites after his predecessor Kohli's flawless run as the leader in the red-ball format. Kohli took over as India's captain after MS Dhoni's Test retirement and led the national side for seven years. Under him, India won their first-ever Test series on Australian soil, have an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom (held last year), dominated at home and also ended as the top-ranked side in ICC Test Rankings for five successive years. Thus, Rohit has big shoes to fill and has his task cut out. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites Ahead of the SL series, Rohit opined on his new role as the Test captain and said at a virtual presser, "Honestly, I just want to win matches. I want to do the right things with the squad we have. We are in a good position and over the last five years have done well. A lot of credit for that goes to Virat Kohli." Rohit further lauded Kohli -- who is set to play his 100th Test in the series opener -- and said, "It has been a long journey for him and it has been a wonderful one. He has done exceedingly well in this format, he has changed so many things in the way the team is moving forward. It has been one hell of a ride for him and it will continue to be in the coming years."

Lot of credit for India's success goes to Virat Kohli, says Rohit Sharma ahead of ex-captain's 100th Test

India are gearing up to face Sri Lanka in the series opener of the two-match Test series, which gets underway in Mohali on March 04. India's opening Test will also be former captain Virat Kohli's 100th outing in whites. Kohli will become only the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club.

Kohli has had a wonderful run in the purest format for Team India. The 33-year-old has so far scored 7,962 runs in 99 Tests with 27 hundreds and&nbsp;28 half-centuries in whites. Ahead of his landmark outing in the red-ball format, new full-time captain Rohit Sharma lavished praise on his predecessor and shared his best memory of Kohli in Test cricket.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-set-to-play-100th-test-reliving-former-indian-captains-impressive-run-in-whites-458253#virat-kohli-joins-big-indian-names-in-100-test-club-458214">Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites</a>

Ahead of the SL Test series, Rohit told at the virtual&nbsp;press conference, on Thursday (March 03), "The best memory of Virat Kohli the Test captain will be winning the Test series in Australia in 2018." He also revealed the Test knock of Kohli he rates the best and said, "Lot of guys were playing in South Africa for the first time (in 2013-14 tour), to face the likes of Morkel, Steyn, it was never going to be easy but the way Virat batted in the first innings and second, it was one of the best knocks of his that I clearly remember. This beats his knock in Perth (2018)," explained Rohit.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bccis-new-central-contracts-kohli-rohit-bumrah-top-earners-rahane-pujara-hardik-demoted-report-458501">BCCI's new central contracts: Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah top earners, Rahane, Pujara &amp; Hardik demoted - Report</a>

Rohit added, "It has been a long journey for him and it has been a wonderful one. He has done exceedingly well in this format, he has changed so many things in the way the team is moving forward. It has been one hell of a ride for him and it will continue to be in the coming years."

Indian team will surely be eager to make Kohli's 100th Test a memorable affair with a win in the series opener versus Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders.

India are gearing up to face Sri Lanka in the series opener of the two-match Test series, which gets underway in Mohali on March 04. India's opening Test will also be former captain Virat Kohli's 100th outing in whites.

India are gearing up to face Sri Lanka in the series opener of the two-match Test series, which gets underway in Mohali on March 04. India's opening Test will also be former captain Virat Kohli's 100th outing in whites. Kohli will become only the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club. Kohli has had a wonderful run in the purest format for Team India. The 33-year-old has so far scored 7,962 runs in 99 Tests with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries in whites. Ahead of his landmark outing in the red-ball format, new full-time captain Rohit Sharma lavished praise on his predecessor and shared his best memory of Kohli in Test cricket. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites Ahead of the SL Test series, Rohit told at the virtual press conference, on Thursday (March 03), "The best memory of Virat Kohli the Test captain will be winning the Test series in Australia in 2018." He also revealed the Test knock of Kohli he rates the best and said, "Lot of guys were playing in South Africa for the first time (in 2013-14 tour), to face the likes of Morkel, Steyn, it was never going to be easy but the way Virat batted in the first innings and second, it was one of the best knocks of his that I clearly remember. This beats his knock in Perth (2018)," explained Rohit. ALSO READ | BCCI's new central contracts: Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah top earners, Rahane, Pujara & Hardik demoted - Report Rohit added, "It has been a long journey for him and it has been a wonderful one. He has done exceedingly well in this format, he has changed so many things in the way the team is moving forward. It has been one hell of a ride for him and it will continue to be in the coming years." Indian team will surely be eager to make Kohli's 100th Test a memorable affair with a win in the series opener versus Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders.

Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the new central contracts for the 2022-23 season. As per various reports, the former Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and No. 3 batter Cheteshwar Pujara are all set to be demoted by the Indian cricket board following their lean phase in the longest format. The duo have been dropped from the Test squad ahead of the home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali.

On the other hand, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also set to be demoted to the Grade C category in the new contracts. For the unversed, the 28-year-old all-rounder Hardik remains out of action from international cricket and last represented Team India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, held in the UAE. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are, meanwhile, retained in the top bracket, i.e. Grade A+ category.

Among other notable changes, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Wriddhiman Saha are also set to face demotion. As per reports, Saha has been dropped to Grade C whereas Bhuvi also finds himself in the same category. Suryakumar Yadav marked his debut in the central contracts (Grade C) whereas the likes of Axar Patel, Md Siraj and Shreyas Iyer have moved up in the pay&nbsp;bracket.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-set-to-play-100th-test-reliving-former-indian-captains-impressive-run-in-whites-458253">Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites</a>

New BCCI annual contract list as per reports

Grade A+ (INR 70 million or INR 7 crore): Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah.

Grade A (INR 50 million or INR 5 crore): Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant.

Grade B (INR 30 million or INR 3 crore): Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma.

Grade C (INR 10 million or INR 1 crore): Shikhar Dhawan, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill, Hanuma Vihari, Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryakumar Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha, Mayank Agarwal and Deepak Chahar.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the new central contracts for the 2022-23 season. As per various reports, the former Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and No.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the new central contracts for the 2022-23 season. As per various reports, the former Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and No. 3 batter Cheteshwar Pujara are all set to be demoted by the Indian cricket board following their lean phase in the longest format. The duo have been dropped from the Test squad ahead of the home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. On the other hand, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also set to be demoted to the Grade C category in the new contracts. For the unversed, the 28-year-old all-rounder Hardik remains out of action from international cricket and last represented Team India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, held in the UAE. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are, meanwhile, retained in the top bracket, i.e. Grade A+ category. Among other notable changes, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Wriddhiman Saha are also set to face demotion. As per reports, Saha has been dropped to Grade C whereas Bhuvi also finds himself in the same category. Suryakumar Yadav marked his debut in the central contracts (Grade C) whereas the likes of Axar Patel, Md Siraj and Shreyas Iyer have moved up in the pay bracket. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites New BCCI annual contract list as per reports Grade A+ (INR 70 million or INR 7 crore): Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. Grade A (INR 50 million or INR 5 crore): Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant. Grade B (INR 30 million or INR 3 crore): Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma. Grade C (INR 10 million or INR 1 crore): Shikhar Dhawan, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill, Hanuma Vihari, Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryakumar Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha, Mayank Agarwal and Deepak Chahar.

BCCI's new central contracts: Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah top earners, Rahane, Pujara & Hardik demoted - Report

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has lauded Virat Kohli as the former captain is set to play his 100th Test during the forthcoming India-Sri Lanka series opener in Mohali, which gets underway on&nbsp;March 4 (Friday). Ahead of the Test series, which also marks the captaincy debut of Rohit Sharma in whites, Ganguly heaped praise on Kohli.&nbsp;

“To begin with, you need to be a very good player to get there,” Ganguly said while on a holiday with his family in London. “Very few people in Indian cricket have played 100 Test matches. It’s a fantastic landmark. Virat is a great player and deserves every bit of it.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-cusp-of-joining-sachin-tendulkar-rahul-dravid-co-in-elite-list-in-historic-100th-test-458045">Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid &amp; Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test</a>

The former Indian captain Ganguly asserted, “I haven’t played with him. But I have always followed his game. Having been involved in different capacities, I have always tracked his cricket. I have seen his career from when it started and how it took a different turn after a few years and it has now gone to greatness."

Kohli has often been compared with Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Having played along with Tendulkar, Ganguly brushed aside all comparisons and said, "Expectations will always be there when you play at this level. I don’t compare different generations. But whatever number he has batted, whether it is No.4 in Test matches or No.3 in limited-overs cricket, he has batted marvelously."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-showed-no-signs-of-captaincy-burden-when-he-was-team-india-skipper-sunil-gavaskar-458085">Virat Kohli showed no signs of captaincy burden when he was Team India skipper: Sunil Gavaskar</a>

He added, "His technique, his positivity, his footwork, his balance…I like all of that. Above all, the way Virat changed his game after 2014 in England when he was struggling. I saw that Test series because I was working as a commentator there. And he had a remarkable five years after that. That’s what normally happens. I saw that with Rahul Dravid between 2002 to 2005. You see great players having these phases where they are at their peak. Sachin had many.”

Interestingly, Kohli's 100th Test will also be his first as a player after seven long years of his captaincy tenure in whites. In this regard, Ganguly said, "It does require some adjustments. But I don’t think it’s very difficult. He will come back and get hundreds. I know about all this talk, with him not getting a hundred for over two years. But he is too good a player to consistently go through this. He will get past this phase too. He knows how to get hundreds otherwise he would not have got 70 of them. As a former player, I know he will start scoring them again. He has enormous ability, so it’s a matter of time."

Kohli will become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club. He will, thus, join the likes of&nbsp;Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Ishant Sharma, Dilip Vengsarkar and Anil Kumble.&nbsp;

India will, thus, look to give Kohli a perfect present on his landmark Test with a thumping win in the series opener versus the Islanders. The second and final Test will be held in Bengaluru, from March 12-16.

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has lauded Virat Kohli as the former captain is set to play his 100th Test during the forthcoming India-Sri Lanka series opener in Mohali, which gets underway on March 4 (Friday).

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has lauded Virat Kohli as the former captain is set to play his 100th Test during the forthcoming India-Sri Lanka series opener in Mohali, which gets underway on March 4 (Friday). Ahead of the Test series, which also marks the captaincy debut of Rohit Sharma in whites, Ganguly heaped praise on Kohli. “To begin with, you need to be a very good player to get there,” Ganguly said while on a holiday with his family in London. “Very few people in Indian cricket have played 100 Test matches. It’s a fantastic landmark. Virat is a great player and deserves every bit of it.” ALSO READ | Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid & Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test The former Indian captain Ganguly asserted, “I haven’t played with him. But I have always followed his game. Having been involved in different capacities, I have always tracked his cricket. I have seen his career from when it started and how it took a different turn after a few years and it has now gone to greatness." Kohli has often been compared with Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Having played along with Tendulkar, Ganguly brushed aside all comparisons and said, "Expectations will always be there when you play at this level. I don’t compare different generations. But whatever number he has batted, whether it is No.4 in Test matches or No.3 in limited-overs cricket, he has batted marvelously." ALSO READ | Virat Kohli showed no signs of captaincy burden when he was Team India skipper: Sunil Gavaskar He added, "His technique, his positivity, his footwork, his balance…I like all of that. Above all, the way Virat changed his game after 2014 in England when he was struggling. I saw that Test series because I was working as a commentator there. And he had a remarkable five years after that. That’s what normally happens. I saw that with Rahul Dravid between 2002 to 2005. You see great players having these phases where they are at their peak. Sachin had many.” Interestingly, Kohli's 100th Test will also be his first as a player after seven long years of his captaincy tenure in whites. In this regard, Ganguly said, "It does require some adjustments. But I don’t think it’s very difficult. He will come back and get hundreds. I know about all this talk, with him not getting a hundred for over two years. But he is too good a player to consistently go through this. He will get past this phase too. He knows how to get hundreds otherwise he would not have got 70 of them. As a former player, I know he will start scoring them again. He has enormous ability, so it’s a matter of time." Kohli will become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club. He will, thus, join the likes of Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Ishant Sharma, Dilip Vengsarkar and Anil Kumble. India will, thus, look to give Kohli a perfect present on his landmark Test with a thumping win in the series opener versus the Islanders. The second and final Test will be held in Bengaluru, from March 12-16.

Sourav Ganguly lauds Virat Kohli as former captain set to play 100th Test during SL series opener

R Ashwin is gearing up for the commencement of the two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. Ashwin was last seen in action on the 22-yard cricket strip during India's tour of South Africa. Regarded as one of the greats in Test cricket, the 35-year-old wily spinner is on the cusp of attaining a huge feat in the SL Test series opener in Mohali.

Currently, Ashwin has accounted for 430 wickets in whites, in 84 games, and is at the third spot in the list for most Test scalps among Indians. Anil Kumble (619) spearheads the list whereas 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev follows suit with 434 wickets. Thus, Ashwin needs five more wickets to go past Kapil in the elite list and occupy the second position.&nbsp;

Most wickets for India in Tests

Anil Kumble - 619

Kapil Dev - 434

R Ashwin - 430*

Harbhajan Singh - 417

Ishant Sharma - 311

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-cusp-of-joining-sachin-tendulkar-rahul-dravid-co-in-elite-list-in-historic-100th-test-458045">Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid &amp; Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test</a>

In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, No. 1 ranked Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne lauded Ashwin and said, "The reason Ashwin's record is so good is because he's a tremendous thinker of the game. So, he's always thinking about how he can get you out. About what you are doing. And so what he's doing to counter that? And then he seems to go, "Ok now I'm going to change, so that you're going to do this." That's what makes him really good. Now, not all bowlers are like that."

The forthcoming series opener will also see former captain Virat Kohli become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

R Ashwin is gearing up for the commencement of the two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. Ashwin was last seen in action on the 22-yard cricket strip during India's tour of South Africa.

R Ashwin is gearing up for the commencement of the two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. Ashwin was last seen in action on the 22-yard cricket strip during India's tour of South Africa. Regarded as one of the greats in Test cricket, the 35-year-old wily spinner is on the cusp of attaining a huge feat in the SL Test series opener in Mohali. Currently, Ashwin has accounted for 430 wickets in whites, in 84 games, and is at the third spot in the list for most Test scalps among Indians. Anil Kumble (619) spearheads the list whereas 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev follows suit with 434 wickets. Thus, Ashwin needs five more wickets to go past Kapil in the elite list and occupy the second position. Most wickets for India in Tests Anil Kumble - 619 Kapil Dev - 434 R Ashwin - 430* Harbhajan Singh - 417 Ishant Sharma - 311 ALSO READ | Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid & Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, No. 1 ranked Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne lauded Ashwin and said, "The reason Ashwin's record is so good is because he's a tremendous thinker of the game. So, he's always thinking about how he can get you out. About what you are doing. And so what he's doing to counter that? And then he seems to go, "Ok now I'm going to change, so that you're going to do this." That's what makes him really good. Now, not all bowlers are like that." The forthcoming series opener will also see former captain Virat Kohli become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club.

India vs SL: R Ashwin on verge of going past Kapil Dev in elite list during series opener in Mohali

Rohit Sharma-led India thrashed Sri Lanka in the recently-concluded three T20Is at home. With this, India remain unbeaten in 12 successive games in the shortest format and are yet to concede a single match under Rohit's captaincy.&nbsp;

As the action now shifts to the India-Sri Lanka Tests, Shreyas Iyer has achieved a massive jump in the latest ICC T20I Rankings post the memorable run versus the Islanders. Iyer remained unbeaten throughout the course of the series and ended with scores of 57* (28),&nbsp;74* (44) and 73* (45) to win the Player-of-the-Series award. With this, he has jumped 27 spots to enter the top 20. Meanwhile, former captain Virat Kohli and current skipper Rohit are out of the top ten.

Rohit had an ordinary run versus the Sri Lankans, amassing only 50 runs in 3 T20Is, whereas Kohli was rested for the SL series. KL Rahul, thus, remains the only Indian in the top ten. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan continue to hold the top two spots, respectively.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-cusp-of-joining-sachin-tendulkar-rahul-dravid-co-in-elite-list-in-historic-100th-test-458045">Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid &amp; Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test</a>

ICC T20I Rankings - India batters in top 10

KL Rahul - 10

Rohit Sharma - 13

Virat Kohli -15

Shreyas Iyer - 18

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-cant-be-replaced-gavaskar-on-in-form-shreyas-iyers-batting-position-for-team-india-in-t20is-457412">Virat Kohli can't be replaced: Gavaskar on in-form Shreyas Iyer's batting position for Team India in T20Is</a>

Among bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar jumped up by three places to occupy the 17th position. He remains the only Indian in the top 20, with Jasprit Bumrah now slipping to the 28th spot.&nbsp;

In then ICC Test rankings, Kagiso Rabada has moved up by three spots to hold the sixth position in the list spearheaded by Australia captain Pat Cummins. On the other hand,&nbsp;Marnus Labuschagne remains the top-ranked batter in the purest format ahead of Aussies' three-match Test series versus hosts Pakistan.

Rohit Sharma-led India thrashed Sri Lanka in the recently-concluded three T20Is at home. With this, India remain unbeaten in 12 successive games in the shortest format and are yet to concede a single match under Rohit's captaincy.

Rohit Sharma-led India thrashed Sri Lanka in the recently-concluded three T20Is at home. With this, India remain unbeaten in 12 successive games in the shortest format and are yet to concede a single match under Rohit's captaincy. As the action now shifts to the India-Sri Lanka Tests, Shreyas Iyer has achieved a massive jump in the latest ICC T20I Rankings post the memorable run versus the Islanders. Iyer remained unbeaten throughout the course of the series and ended with scores of 57* (28), 74* (44) and 73* (45) to win the Player-of-the-Series award. With this, he has jumped 27 spots to enter the top 20. Meanwhile, former captain Virat Kohli and current skipper Rohit are out of the top ten. Rohit had an ordinary run versus the Sri Lankans, amassing only 50 runs in 3 T20Is, whereas Kohli was rested for the SL series. KL Rahul, thus, remains the only Indian in the top ten. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan continue to hold the top two spots, respectively. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid & Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test ICC T20I Rankings - India batters in top 10 KL Rahul - 10 Rohit Sharma - 13 Virat Kohli -15 Shreyas Iyer - 18 ALSO READ | Virat Kohli can't be replaced: Gavaskar on in-form Shreyas Iyer's batting position for Team India in T20Is Among bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar jumped up by three places to occupy the 17th position. He remains the only Indian in the top 20, with Jasprit Bumrah now slipping to the 28th spot. In then ICC Test rankings, Kagiso Rabada has moved up by three spots to hold the sixth position in the list spearheaded by Australia captain Pat Cummins. On the other hand, Marnus Labuschagne remains the top-ranked batter in the purest format ahead of Aussies' three-match Test series versus hosts Pakistan.

ICC T20I Rankings: Shreyas Iyer achieves huge jump after SL series; Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma out of top 10

After being dropped from India's Test squad, Wriddhiman Saha made heads turn courtesy his stunning revelation. Saha, who has represented India in 40 Tests, revealed that he is being threatened by a 'respected journalist' after he didn't respond&nbsp;to his interview request.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Saha shared a screenshot of the conversation with the journalist and wrote, "After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so-called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone. <a href="https://t.co/woVyq1sOZX">pic.twitter.com/woVyq1sOZX</a>
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wriddhipops/status/1495076230713917441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tactics-will-be-different-approach-will-be-different-sunil-gavaskar-on-rohit-sharmas-test-captaincy-debut-457797">Tactics will be different, approach will be different: Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy debut</a>

Following the recent turn of events, ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri opened up on the Saha row. He dwelled on the relationship between players and journalists in the current era. Speaking during the launch of veteran journalist Khalid A-H Ansari's memoir, 'It's a Wonderful World', Shastri said, “It's changed from the time we played."

"The equation we had with journalists was far, far better than the equation you see with the boys today. I was part of the dressing room for the past seven years. And I don’t blame (the players). The spotlight that is there on today’s players is nowhere like what it was on us. We (only) had the print media… there was TV that had just started," he stated.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shouldnt-be-different-selection-criteria-for-different-people-wriddhiman-sahas-coach-on-dravids-remark-455114">Shouldn't be different selection criteria for different people: Wriddhiman Saha's coach on Dravid's remark</a>

Revealing how he asked the Indian players to deal with the press during his coaching tenure, Shastri&nbsp;asserted, "We've tried to discuss it with them. Speak as much as you can to the media but make sure it's a proper kind of press conference, take everyone's questions at one go, because what happens is a lot of things are taken out of context these days. I'm being honest about it. Because of the competition that exists (between media organisations).

"As a result, the player has no choice but to go into a shell. He says, 'I'd rather look within, focus on the game, let my cricket do the talking, and once I'm done and dusted, I can speak to whoever I want to,'" added the former Indian all-rounder.

After being dropped from India's Test squad, Wriddhiman Saha made heads turn courtesy his stunning revelation. Saha, who has represented India in 40 Tests, revealed that he is being threatened by a 'respected journalist' after he didn't respond to his interview request.

After being dropped from India's Test squad, Wriddhiman Saha made heads turn courtesy his stunning revelation. Saha, who has represented India in 40 Tests, revealed that he is being threatened by a 'respected journalist' after he didn't respond to his interview request. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Saha shared a screenshot of the conversation with the journalist and wrote, "After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so-called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone." After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone. pic.twitter.com/woVyq1sOZX — Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) February 19, 2022 × ALSO READ | Tactics will be different, approach will be different: Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy debut Following the recent turn of events, ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri opened up on the Saha row. He dwelled on the relationship between players and journalists in the current era. Speaking during the launch of veteran journalist Khalid A-H Ansari's memoir, 'It's a Wonderful World', Shastri said, “It's changed from the time we played." "The equation we had with journalists was far, far better than the equation you see with the boys today. I was part of the dressing room for the past seven years. And I don’t blame (the players). The spotlight that is there on today’s players is nowhere like what it was on us. We (only) had the print media… there was TV that had just started," he stated. ALSO READ | Shouldn't be different selection criteria for different people: Wriddhiman Saha's coach on Dravid's remark Revealing how he asked the Indian players to deal with the press during his coaching tenure, Shastri asserted, "We've tried to discuss it with them. Speak as much as you can to the media but make sure it's a proper kind of press conference, take everyone's questions at one go, because what happens is a lot of things are taken out of context these days. I'm being honest about it. Because of the competition that exists (between media organisations). "As a result, the player has no choice but to go into a shell. He says, 'I'd rather look within, focus on the game, let my cricket do the talking, and once I'm done and dusted, I can speak to whoever I want to,'" added the former Indian all-rounder.

Wriddhiman Saha row: Former India coach Ravi Shastri opines on relationship between players and media

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah have been one of the most dependable bowlers for&nbsp;India across formats. While Shami was missed&nbsp;a lot of white-ball series for Team India in recent times,&nbsp;being rested, he remains a regular in Tests and forms a strong bowling pair with Bumrah.

For the unversed, Bumrah made his international debut in early 2016 -- three years after Shami -- and featured in the longest format of the game in January 2018. Since then, both Bumrah and Shami have gone from strength to strength as a daunting fast-bowling pair. Talking to the Indian Express, Shami recently stated that he felt 'a bit strange' seeing Bumrah because of his bowling action.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-cant-be-replaced-gavaskar-on-in-form-shreyas-iyers-batting-position-for-team-india-in-t20is-457412">Virat Kohli can't be replaced: Gavaskar on in-form Shreyas Iyer's batting position for Team India in T20Is</a>

“The first time I saw him was during the IPL. It felt a bit strange seeing him because of his bowling action. I wondered how someone could bowl so fast with that action and where he got the power from. When he got drafted in the Indian team, I knew him better. He performed and became part of the Test team. Today, you see a different Jasprit Bumrah. He has such control, he has everything,” Shami told the&nbsp;Indian Express.

Revealing what he will like to take from Bumrah, Shami said, "The one thing I would love to have from him is his yorker. Such a lovely ball. It’s fun to bowl together. With the kind of Test match bowling we have now, I don’t think we ever had such a period in our cricketing history. If you look at our graph for the last five years, I feel it is the highest. I enjoy bowling with Jassi, Umesh, Ishant and all of them." He added, "We know each other’s ability. The best quality of this bowling unit is that whenever someone is down, we lift each other up and give confidence. These are the things one remembers in life. We walk together through thick and thin."

<section>
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-rahul-or-kishan-ex-australia-spinner-names-batter-who-should-open-with-rohit-for-india-in-t20is-457411">Not Rahul or Kishan! Ex-Australia spinner names batter who should open with Rohit for India in T20Is</a>

Both Bumrah and Shami were among wickets in the India-South Africa Test series, held early this year in the African nation. However, they couldn't take the side to their maiden Test series win in South Africa. They are now gearing up to spearhead the pace unit in India's forthcoming home Test series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04.

India's Test squad for Sri Lanka series:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar
</section>

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah have been one of the most dependable bowlers for India across formats. While Shami was missed a lot of white-ball series for Team India in recent times, being rested, he remains a regular in Tests and forms a strong bowling pair with Bumrah.

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah have been one of the most dependable bowlers for India across formats. While Shami was missed a lot of white-ball series for Team India in recent times, being rested, he remains a regular in Tests and forms a strong bowling pair with Bumrah. For the unversed, Bumrah made his international debut in early 2016 -- three years after Shami -- and featured in the longest format of the game in January 2018. Since then, both Bumrah and Shami have gone from strength to strength as a daunting fast-bowling pair. Talking to the Indian Express, Shami recently stated that he felt 'a bit strange' seeing Bumrah because of his bowling action. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli can't be replaced: Gavaskar on in-form Shreyas Iyer's batting position for Team India in T20Is “The first time I saw him was during the IPL. It felt a bit strange seeing him because of his bowling action. I wondered how someone could bowl so fast with that action and where he got the power from. When he got drafted in the Indian team, I knew him better. He performed and became part of the Test team. Today, you see a different Jasprit Bumrah. He has such control, he has everything,” Shami told the Indian Express. Revealing what he will like to take from Bumrah, Shami said, "The one thing I would love to have from him is his yorker. Such a lovely ball. It’s fun to bowl together. With the kind of Test match bowling we have now, I don’t think we ever had such a period in our cricketing history. If you look at our graph for the last five years, I feel it is the highest. I enjoy bowling with Jassi, Umesh, Ishant and all of them." He added, "We know each other’s ability. The best quality of this bowling unit is that whenever someone is down, we lift each other up and give confidence. These are the things one remembers in life. We walk together through thick and thin." ALSO READ | Not Rahul or Kishan! Ex-Australia spinner names batter who should open with Rohit for India in T20Is Both Bumrah and Shami were among wickets in the India-South Africa Test series, held early this year in the African nation. However, they couldn't take the side to their maiden Test series win in South Africa. They are now gearing up to spearhead the pace unit in India's forthcoming home Test series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04. India's Test squad for Sri Lanka series: Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

'I wondered how someone could...': Md Shami shares his first reaction on seeing pacer Jasprit Bumrah

Mohammed Shami is gearing up to represent India in the forthcoming two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka at home. While he remains an integral part of Team India across formats, he plays Tests more regularly than the white-ball formats and has accounted for 209 scalps in 57 matches in whites.

Ahead of India's red-ball assignment versus the Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders, Shami revealed the Indian batter who loves batting at the nets. Shami named Cheteshwar Pujara in this regard, who according to the pacer irritates the bowlers by making them bowl at least 100-200 deliveries.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tactics-will-be-different-approach-will-be-different-sunil-gavaskar-on-rohit-sharmas-test-captaincy-debut-457797">Tactics will be different, approach will be different: Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy debut</a>

“We are professionals, it’s never a case of likes. The BCCI pays us so well to do what we like, so one enjoys bowling (laughs). But no one can irritate you like Cheteshwar Pujara. As everyone knows, unless he hits 100 to 200 balls, he doesn’t get sleep,”&nbsp;Shami told when he turned up as&nbsp;a guest at&nbsp;The Indian Express' Idea Exchange.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hope-virat-kohli-celebrates-his-100th-test-milestone-with-a-century-against-sri-lanka-sunil-gavaskar-457781">Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar</a>

Currently, Pujara is representing the Saurashtra side in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2021/22 edition after being dropped from the Test line-up. The right-hander's century-drought continues in the purest format since early 2019 and paid the price for being overlooked for the SL home series.

India's squad for the SL series:

Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

Mohammed Shami is gearing up to represent India in the forthcoming two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka at home. While he remains an integral part of Team India across formats, he plays Tests more regularly than the white-ball formats and has accounted for 209 scalps in 57 matches in whites.

Mohammed Shami is gearing up to represent India in the forthcoming two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka at home. While he remains an integral part of Team India across formats, he plays Tests more regularly than the white-ball formats and has accounted for 209 scalps in 57 matches in whites. Ahead of India's red-ball assignment versus the Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders, Shami revealed the Indian batter who loves batting at the nets. Shami named Cheteshwar Pujara in this regard, who according to the pacer irritates the bowlers by making them bowl at least 100-200 deliveries. ALSO READ | Tactics will be different, approach will be different: Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy debut “We are professionals, it’s never a case of likes. The BCCI pays us so well to do what we like, so one enjoys bowling (laughs). But no one can irritate you like Cheteshwar Pujara. As everyone knows, unless he hits 100 to 200 balls, he doesn’t get sleep,” Shami told when he turned up as a guest at The Indian Express' Idea Exchange. ALSO READ | Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar Currently, Pujara is representing the Saurashtra side in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2021/22 edition after being dropped from the Test line-up. The right-hander's century-drought continues in the purest format since early 2019 and paid the price for being overlooked for the SL home series. India's squad for the SL series: Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

'Unless he hits 100 to 200 balls, he doesn’t...' - Md Shami names India player who loves batting at the nets

Rohit Sharma is set to start his captaincy tenure in the red-ball format as India is set to take on Sri Lanka in the first of the two-match Test series, starting on March 04 (Friday) in Mohali. So far, Rohit has got off to a flying start as the white-ball captain but it will be the first time that he will lead the national side in whites.

For the unversed, Rohit had&nbsp;led India on numerous occasions in white-ball formats before being the full-time limited-overs skipper, however, he never led in Test matches. He could've led India in the South Africa Tests, held early this year in the African nation, as then captain Virat Kohli had missed a game due to injury. During the SA tour, Hitman was named the vice-captain in whites.&nbsp;However, since he missed the whole tour due to injury, he couldn't lead in whites. Thus, the stage is finally set for the 34-year-old's debut as Test captain with the commencement of the SL series at home.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hope-virat-kohli-celebrates-his-100th-test-milestone-with-a-century-against-sri-lanka-sunil-gavaskar-457781">Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar</a>

Ahead of the series opener, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has backed Rohit to deliver even as the red-ball captain due to his experience. "With the experience that he has had over the years of captaining various teams, that should not be too much of an issue. Yes, this is the longer format, so the tactics will be different, the approach will be different. But he has got the experience, so don't really foresee anything majorly difficult for the captain," Gavaskar told Star Sports ahead of India's meeting with Sri Lanka at Mohali.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/captaincy-an-added-responsibility-rohit-sharma-should-not-lose-focus-on-his-batting-ex-india-selector-457483">Captaincy an added responsibility, Rohit Sharma should not lose focus on his batting: Ex-India selector</a>

Rohit was appointed India's full-time captain after Kohli resigned as the Test skipper post the SA series, which ended during mid-January 2022. It will be interesting to see how he takes the team forward in the purest format after the national side's highly-successful run under Kohli.&nbsp;

India's squad for SL Test series:

Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

Rohit Sharma is set to start his captaincy tenure in the red-ball format as India is set to take on Sri Lanka in the first of the two-match Test series, starting on March 04 (Friday) in Mohali.

Rohit Sharma is set to start his captaincy tenure in the red-ball format as India is set to take on Sri Lanka in the first of the two-match Test series, starting on March 04 (Friday) in Mohali. So far, Rohit has got off to a flying start as the white-ball captain but it will be the first time that he will lead the national side in whites. For the unversed, Rohit had led India on numerous occasions in white-ball formats before being the full-time limited-overs skipper, however, he never led in Test matches. He could've led India in the South Africa Tests, held early this year in the African nation, as then captain Virat Kohli had missed a game due to injury. During the SA tour, Hitman was named the vice-captain in whites. However, since he missed the whole tour due to injury, he couldn't lead in whites. Thus, the stage is finally set for the 34-year-old's debut as Test captain with the commencement of the SL series at home. ALSO READ | Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar Ahead of the series opener, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has backed Rohit to deliver even as the red-ball captain due to his experience. "With the experience that he has had over the years of captaining various teams, that should not be too much of an issue. Yes, this is the longer format, so the tactics will be different, the approach will be different. But he has got the experience, so don't really foresee anything majorly difficult for the captain," Gavaskar told Star Sports ahead of India's meeting with Sri Lanka at Mohali. ALSO READ | Captaincy an added responsibility, Rohit Sharma should not lose focus on his batting: Ex-India selector Rohit was appointed India's full-time captain after Kohli resigned as the Test skipper post the SA series, which ended during mid-January 2022. It will be interesting to see how he takes the team forward in the purest format after the national side's highly-successful run under Kohli. India's squad for SL Test series: Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

Tactics will be different, approach will be different: Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy debut

Shreyas Iyer had a dream run in the just-concluded India-Sri Lanka T20Is at home. The right-hander stood tall against the Sri Lankans in all three games and ended the series with scores of 57* (28), 74* (44) and 73* (45) to remain unbeaten throughout the three-match series and walk away with the Player-of-the-Match and the Player-of-the-Series award.&nbsp;

In a modest 147-run chase in the third and final encounter, Iyer came out in the middle at 6-1 and remained unbeaten on 73, studded with 9 fours and a six at a strike rate of 162.22. Courtesy his memorable run versus the Islanders, Iyer joined Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul in an elite feat. He is&nbsp;now one of the four Indian batters to score 3 consecutive half-centuries in the shortest format.

The former captain Kohli was&nbsp;the first Indian to achieve this milestone. He had first hit 3 back-to-back fifty-plus scores in 2012 and replicated the same in 2014 and 2018. Rohit achieved the elusive feat in 2018 as well whereas current white-ball vice-captain&nbsp;Rahul has attained&nbsp;the&nbsp;milestone twice - in 2020 and 2021. For the unversed, Iyer and Kohli are the only 2 Indian batsmen to score 3 back-to-back half-centuries in a series.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-sri-lanka-in-3rd-t20i-to-clinch-series-3-0-equal-record-for-most-t20i-wins-on-the-trot-457228">India beat Sri Lanka in 3rd T20I to clinch series 3-0, equal record for most T20I wins on the trot</a>

After the series, Iyer said at the post-match presentation, "All three knocks were special, but yesterday's - coming in at a crucial moment, I'd pick that. Only require one ball to get into form as long as you're keeping your eyes on the ball and playing it on its merit. The wicket was little two paced today compared to yesterday. Was playing on the merit. Outfield is so fast, just had to hit gaps. Been a rollercoster journey after my injury. Real test of you is during rehab sessions."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mayank-agarwal-wins-captaincy-race-to-be-named-punjab-kings-skipper-ahead-of-ipl-2022-457319">Mayank Agarwal wins captaincy race to be named Punjab Kings' skipper ahead of IPL 2022</a>

The focus will now shift to the India-Sri Lanka two-match Test series, which will get underway on March 04. The first Test will be held in Mohali, behind closed doors, whereas Bengaluru will host the second and final encounter -- with 50% crowd -- from March 12-16.

Shreyas Iyer had a dream run in the just-concluded India-Sri Lanka T20Is at home. The right-hander stood tall against the Sri Lankans in all three games and ended the series with scores of 57* (28), 74* (44) and 73* (45) to remain unbeaten throughout the three-match series and walk away with the Player-of-the-Match and the Player-of-the-Series award.

Shreyas Iyer had a dream run in the just-concluded India-Sri Lanka T20Is at home. The right-hander stood tall against the Sri Lankans in all three games and ended the series with scores of 57* (28), 74* (44) and 73* (45) to remain unbeaten throughout the three-match series and walk away with the Player-of-the-Match and the Player-of-the-Series award. In a modest 147-run chase in the third and final encounter, Iyer came out in the middle at 6-1 and remained unbeaten on 73, studded with 9 fours and a six at a strike rate of 162.22. Courtesy his memorable run versus the Islanders, Iyer joined Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul in an elite feat. He is now one of the four Indian batters to score 3 consecutive half-centuries in the shortest format. The former captain Kohli was the first Indian to achieve this milestone. He had first hit 3 back-to-back fifty-plus scores in 2012 and replicated the same in 2014 and 2018. Rohit achieved the elusive feat in 2018 as well whereas current white-ball vice-captain Rahul has attained the milestone twice - in 2020 and 2021. For the unversed, Iyer and Kohli are the only 2 Indian batsmen to score 3 back-to-back half-centuries in a series. ALSO READ | India beat Sri Lanka in 3rd T20I to clinch series 3-0, equal record for most T20I wins on the trot After the series, Iyer said at the post-match presentation, "All three knocks were special, but yesterday's - coming in at a crucial moment, I'd pick that. Only require one ball to get into form as long as you're keeping your eyes on the ball and playing it on its merit. The wicket was little two paced today compared to yesterday. Was playing on the merit. Outfield is so fast, just had to hit gaps. Been a rollercoster journey after my injury. Real test of you is during rehab sessions." ALSO READ | Mayank Agarwal wins captaincy race to be named Punjab Kings' skipper ahead of IPL 2022 The focus will now shift to the India-Sri Lanka two-match Test series, which will get underway on March 04. The first Test will be held in Mohali, behind closed doors, whereas Bengaluru will host the second and final encounter -- with 50% crowd -- from March 12-16.

Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul in elite list after dream run in Sri Lanka T20Is

After the three T20Is, India is set to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the forthcoming two-match Test series, which gets underway on March 04. Before the commencement of the Test series, ex-Indian selector&nbsp;Devang Gandhi feels Indian cricket fans will see more of Hanuma Vihari in the playing XI with no Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.

Ahead of the series, the national selectors had dropped senior pros Pujara and Rahane along with Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha. With room in the middle and lower order, Gandhi feels Vihari 'deserves a fair run'. Gandhi also shared his batting order, which doesn't comprise in-form Shreyas Iyer.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/captaincy-an-added-responsibility-rohit-sharma-should-not-lose-focus-on-his-batting-ex-india-selector-457483">Captaincy an added responsibility, Rohit Sharma should not lose focus on his batting: Ex-India selector</a>

"Firstly, Vihari has played only one Test at home and he, above everyone, else deserves a fair run. Secondly, if you see for India and India A, he has batted at No.5 abroad but in India, he can come in at No.6 when spinners will be in operation and the 'SG Test' ball becomes relatively old." He asserted, "Vihari has a fantastic record against spinners in Ranji Trophy and that's something the team management can exploit."

“If you see our top-order, Mayank, Rohit, Shubman and Virat are all right-handers. It's better if at No.5 we have a left-hander to get the left-right combination going followed by Vihari at No.6 and Ravindra Jadeja, again a left-hander at No.7. It could be the way forward," added Gandhi.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-wondered-how-someone-could-md-shami-shares-his-first-reaction-on-seeing-pacer-jasprit-bumrah-457450">'I wondered how someone could...': Md Shami shares his first reaction on seeing pacer Jasprit Bumrah</a>

In his brief Test career, playing 13 games so far, Vihari has done reasonably well by playing some important and valuable knocks with the willow. He has also chipped in with few handy wickets and his off-spin might be a key factor in the Rohit Sharma-led Team India preferring him in the playing XI.

However, it will be very difficult for the team management to look beyond Iyer, who was the Player-of-the-Series in the SL T20Is and second highest-run getter in the India-NZ Tests last year (his maiden series in whites).

The first Test will be held behind closed doors in Mohali whereas Bengaluru will host the second and final Test with a 50% crowd capacity.

After the three T20Is, India is set to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the forthcoming two-match Test series, which gets underway on March 04. Before the commencement of the Test series, ex-Indian selector Devang Gandhi feels Indian cricket fans will see more of Hanuma Vihari in the playing XI with no Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.

After the three T20Is, India is set to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the forthcoming two-match Test series, which gets underway on March 04. Before the commencement of the Test series, ex-Indian selector Devang Gandhi feels Indian cricket fans will see more of Hanuma Vihari in the playing XI with no Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. Ahead of the series, the national selectors had dropped senior pros Pujara and Rahane along with Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha. With room in the middle and lower order, Gandhi feels Vihari 'deserves a fair run'. Gandhi also shared his batting order, which doesn't comprise in-form Shreyas Iyer. ALSO READ | Captaincy an added responsibility, Rohit Sharma should not lose focus on his batting: Ex-India selector "Firstly, Vihari has played only one Test at home and he, above everyone, else deserves a fair run. Secondly, if you see for India and India A, he has batted at No.5 abroad but in India, he can come in at No.6 when spinners will be in operation and the 'SG Test' ball becomes relatively old." He asserted, "Vihari has a fantastic record against spinners in Ranji Trophy and that's something the team management can exploit." “If you see our top-order, Mayank, Rohit, Shubman and Virat are all right-handers. It's better if at No.5 we have a left-hander to get the left-right combination going followed by Vihari at No.6 and Ravindra Jadeja, again a left-hander at No.7. It could be the way forward," added Gandhi. ALSO READ | 'I wondered how someone could...': Md Shami shares his first reaction on seeing pacer Jasprit Bumrah In his brief Test career, playing 13 games so far, Vihari has done reasonably well by playing some important and valuable knocks with the willow. He has also chipped in with few handy wickets and his off-spin might be a key factor in the Rohit Sharma-led Team India preferring him in the playing XI. However, it will be very difficult for the team management to look beyond Iyer, who was the Player-of-the-Series in the SL T20Is and second highest-run getter in the India-NZ Tests last year (his maiden series in whites). The first Test will be held behind closed doors in Mohali whereas Bengaluru will host the second and final Test with a 50% crowd capacity.

Ex-Indian selector explains why Hanuma Vihari deserves a fair run in Tests after Pujara, Rahane snub

India demolished Sri Lanka in the just-concluded three T20Is at home. Rohit Sharma-led Indian team inflicted a whitewash over the hapless Dasun Shanaka-led Islanders to continue their winning streak in the format, which is now joint-most along with Afghanistan (12).

In the absence of former captain Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, white-ball vice-captain KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Md Shami, etc., Indian youngsters such as Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Avesh Khan made a mark to finish off the series with a 3-0 scoreline. Iyer was the most outstanding performer for the national side, ending with scores of&nbsp;57* (28), 74* (44) and 73* (45) along with remaining unbeaten throughout the course of the series.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-joins-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-kl-rahul-in-elite-list-after-dream-run-in-sri-lanka-t20is-457333">Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul in elite list after dream run in Sri Lanka T20Is</a>

Speaking on&nbsp;Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar lauded Iyer and also opined on his batting slot when regulars such as Kohli, Rahul, SKY return. He told, “It's a great problem to have. Obviously, Virat Kohli can't be replaced. He will probably come in at No.3, there is no question about it. But then you can use somebody like a Shreyas Iyer at No.4 or 5. Suryakumar, the way he has been batting, he is got to be included. It is just the plus, plus as far as the team is concerned.

“There are so many options. And it allows you to go in with pure bowlers and not bowlers who can bat. With a top-batting line-up, you can can go in with someone like Mohammed Siraj or Avesh Khan, who is not known as a batsman. You might think in terms of all-out attack,” he further said.

<section>
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-really-feel-sad-wasim-jaffer-disappointed-with-sanju-samsons-run-in-sri-lanka-t20is-457368">'I really feel sad' - Wasim Jaffer disappointed with Sanju Samson's run in Sri Lanka T20Is</a>
At the post-match presentation, Player-of-the-Match and Player-of-the-Series Iyer told the broadcasters, "All three knocks were special, but yesterday's - coming in at a crucial moment, I'd pick that. Only require one ball to get into form as long as you're keeping your eyes on the ball and playing it on its merit. The wicket was little two paced today compared to yesterday. Was playing on the merit. Outfield is so fast, just had to hit gaps. Been a rollercoster journey after my injury. Real test of you is during rehab sessions."

<section>&nbsp;</section>
</section>

India demolished Sri Lanka in the just-concluded three T20Is at home. Rohit Sharma-led Indian team inflicted a whitewash over the hapless Dasun Shanaka-led Islanders to continue their winning streak in the format, which is now joint-most along with Afghanistan (12).

India demolished Sri Lanka in the just-concluded three T20Is at home. Rohit Sharma-led Indian team inflicted a whitewash over the hapless Dasun Shanaka-led Islanders to continue their winning streak in the format, which is now joint-most along with Afghanistan (12). In the absence of former captain Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, white-ball vice-captain KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Md Shami, etc., Indian youngsters such as Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Avesh Khan made a mark to finish off the series with a 3-0 scoreline. Iyer was the most outstanding performer for the national side, ending with scores of 57* (28), 74* (44) and 73* (45) along with remaining unbeaten throughout the course of the series. ALSO READ | Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul in elite list after dream run in Sri Lanka T20Is Speaking on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar lauded Iyer and also opined on his batting slot when regulars such as Kohli, Rahul, SKY return. He told, “It's a great problem to have. Obviously, Virat Kohli can't be replaced. He will probably come in at No.3, there is no question about it. But then you can use somebody like a Shreyas Iyer at No.4 or 5. Suryakumar, the way he has been batting, he is got to be included. It is just the plus, plus as far as the team is concerned. “There are so many options. And it allows you to go in with pure bowlers and not bowlers who can bat. With a top-batting line-up, you can can go in with someone like Mohammed Siraj or Avesh Khan, who is not known as a batsman. You might think in terms of all-out attack,” he further said. ALSO READ | 'I really feel sad' - Wasim Jaffer disappointed with Sanju Samson's run in Sri Lanka T20Is At the post-match presentation, Player-of-the-Match and Player-of-the-Series Iyer told the broadcasters, "All three knocks were special, but yesterday's - coming in at a crucial moment, I'd pick that. Only require one ball to get into form as long as you're keeping your eyes on the ball and playing it on its merit. The wicket was little two paced today compared to yesterday. Was playing on the merit. Outfield is so fast, just had to hit gaps. Been a rollercoster journey after my injury. Real test of you is during rehab sessions."

Virat Kohli can't be replaced: Gavaskar on in-form Shreyas Iyer's batting position for Team India in T20Is

Rohit Sharma-led Team India had a dream run in the Sri Lanka T20Is. After whitewashing West Indies in the white-ball series at home, Rohit &amp; Co. hosted the Dasun Shanaka-led Islanders in the three-match series and ended up further extending their unbeaten run in the format (12).&nbsp;

There were a lot of positives for Team India as they are preparing well for the 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia later this year. While Shreyas Iyer made the most of his opportunities -- in the absence of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant -- Avesh Khan, Md Siraj, Ishan Kishan, Ravi Bishnoi also did well. Sanju Samson, on the other hand, didn't deliver as per expectations. While the Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper made a stunning 25-ball 39 in the second and penultimate encounter, he fell for a 12-ball 18 in the final T20I on Sunday.&nbsp;

Thus, disappointed by Samson's mediocre series versus the Islanders, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer told ESPNCricinfo, "He obviously hasn't grabbed his opportunities. Yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday)'s game was a good, good opportunity for him to stake his claim as a third wicketkeeping option or as a batter."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-joins-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-kl-rahul-in-elite-list-after-dream-run-in-sri-lanka-t20is-457333">Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul in elite list after dream run in Sri Lanka T20Is</a>

After the T20I series win, skipper Rohit told the broadcasters, "t's a pattern of everything that comes together. We played very well. Lot of positives came out from the series. Want to understand what kind of bench strength we have. Good to give opportunities to those guys. Important to tell guys not to worry about your positions in the team. Want to fill whatever gaps we have. Keeping that in mind we want to move forward. Going to be a big challenge but always nice to have guys in form (whom to pick). Once we reach Mohali we'll start thinking about the Tests."

The focus now shifts to the two-match Test series, starting on March 04. Samson, meanwhile, will gear up for the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition's commencement, from March 26.

Rohit Sharma-led Team India had a dream run in the Sri Lanka T20Is. After whitewashing West Indies in the white-ball series at home, Rohit & Co. hosted the Dasun Shanaka-led Islanders in the three-match series and ended up further extending their unbeaten run in the format (12).

Rohit Sharma-led Team India had a dream run in the Sri Lanka T20Is. After whitewashing West Indies in the white-ball series at home, Rohit & Co. hosted the Dasun Shanaka-led Islanders in the three-match series and ended up further extending their unbeaten run in the format (12). There were a lot of positives for Team India as they are preparing well for the 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia later this year. While Shreyas Iyer made the most of his opportunities -- in the absence of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant -- Avesh Khan, Md Siraj, Ishan Kishan, Ravi Bishnoi also did well. Sanju Samson, on the other hand, didn't deliver as per expectations. While the Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper made a stunning 25-ball 39 in the second and penultimate encounter, he fell for a 12-ball 18 in the final T20I on Sunday. Thus, disappointed by Samson's mediocre series versus the Islanders, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer told ESPNCricinfo, "He obviously hasn't grabbed his opportunities. Yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday)'s game was a good, good opportunity for him to stake his claim as a third wicketkeeping option or as a batter." ALSO READ | Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul in elite list after dream run in Sri Lanka T20Is After the T20I series win, skipper Rohit told the broadcasters, "t's a pattern of everything that comes together. We played very well. Lot of positives came out from the series. Want to understand what kind of bench strength we have. Good to give opportunities to those guys. Important to tell guys not to worry about your positions in the team. Want to fill whatever gaps we have. Keeping that in mind we want to move forward. Going to be a big challenge but always nice to have guys in form (whom to pick). Once we reach Mohali we'll start thinking about the Tests." The focus now shifts to the two-match Test series, starting on March 04. Samson, meanwhile, will gear up for the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition's commencement, from March 26.

'I really feel sad' - Wasim Jaffer disappointed with Sanju Samson's run in Sri Lanka T20Is

indian-cricket

Indian Cricket, News on Indian Cricket, stories on Indian Cricket, articles on Indian Cricket, Indian Cricket stories at Wion, Indian Cricket news, Indian Cricket latest news

indian cricket