Fresh from his maiden Test five-wicket haul at home, Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah jumped six spots to fourth but struggling star batter Virat Kohli slipped to ninth in the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday.

Bumrah, who returned with eight wickets in the Day/Night&nbsp;second Test against Sri Lanka&nbsp;in Bengaluru, climbed past Shaheen Afridi, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, James Anderson, Neil Wagner and Josh Hazlewood in the Test rankings for bowlers.

Former captain Kohli, who continued his struggle with the bat and could not convert his starts, dropped four places, but managed to remain inside the top-10 just ahead of Rishabh Pant who remained static at 10th.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wiveng-when-and-where-to-watch-west-indies-vs-england-2nd-test-match-ist-time-and-streaming-details-462823">WIvENG: When and where to watch West Indies vs England 2nd Test match - IST time and streaming details</a>

Kohli scored 45 in the opening Test in Mohali, while in the second Test he had scores of 23 and 13. He is yet to score a century since his 136 against Bangladesh in November 2019.

India skipper Rohit Sharma, however, held on to his sixth position to be the best-placed Indian in the batting charts.

The in-form Shreyas Iyer was rewarded for his match-winning 92 and 67 against Sri Lanka as he took a giant leap, advancing 40 spots to be on 37th position in the batting chart.

Sri Lanka Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne jumped up to a career-best No 3 after his fighting 107 in the second innings in Bangalore.

In the all-rounders' table, Ravindra Jadeja was displaced from the No.1 position as West Indies' Jason Holder reclaimed the top spot.

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Jadeja had risen to No 1 after his 175 not out and nine wickets in the Mohali Test earlier this month.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Shakib Al Hasan and Ben Stokes rounded off the top five in the all-rounders' list.

In the bowlers' ranking, Mohammed Shami climbed up a spot to displace fellow countryman Ravindra Jadeja to 17th. Pat Cummins, Ashwin and Kagiso Rabada have retained the top three spots among the bowlers.

Fresh from his maiden Test five-wicket haul at home, Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah jumped six spots to fourth but struggling star batter Virat Kohli slipped to ninth in the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday.

Fresh from his maiden Test five-wicket haul at home, Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah jumped six spots to fourth but struggling star batter Virat Kohli slipped to ninth in the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday. Bumrah, who returned with eight wickets in the Day/Night second Test against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, climbed past Shaheen Afridi, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, James Anderson, Neil Wagner and Josh Hazlewood in the Test rankings for bowlers. Former captain Kohli, who continued his struggle with the bat and could not convert his starts, dropped four places, but managed to remain inside the top-10 just ahead of Rishabh Pant who remained static at 10th. ALSO READ: WIvENG: When and where to watch West Indies vs England 2nd Test match - IST time and streaming details Kohli scored 45 in the opening Test in Mohali, while in the second Test he had scores of 23 and 13. He is yet to score a century since his 136 against Bangladesh in November 2019. India skipper Rohit Sharma, however, held on to his sixth position to be the best-placed Indian in the batting charts. The in-form Shreyas Iyer was rewarded for his match-winning 92 and 67 against Sri Lanka as he took a giant leap, advancing 40 spots to be on 37th position in the batting chart. Sri Lanka Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne jumped up to a career-best No 3 after his fighting 107 in the second innings in Bangalore. In the all-rounders' table, Ravindra Jadeja was displaced from the No.1 position as West Indies' Jason Holder reclaimed the top spot. ALSO READ: R Ashwin scripts history, becomes first bowler to complete 100 wickets in World Test Championship Jadeja had risen to No 1 after his 175 not out and nine wickets in the Mohali Test earlier this month. Ravichandran Ashwin, Shakib Al Hasan and Ben Stokes rounded off the top five in the all-rounders' list. In the bowlers' ranking, Mohammed Shami climbed up a spot to displace fellow countryman Ravindra Jadeja to 17th. Pat Cummins, Ashwin and Kagiso Rabada have retained the top three spots among the bowlers.

ICC Test Rankings: Jasprit Bumrah breaks into top five, Virat Kohli drops to ninth spot

Mumbai Indians on Tuesday began their preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 campaign.

Earlier, captain Rohit Sharma accompanied by speedster Jasprit Bumrah moved from the bubble to join the squad late last night, while Ishan Kishan flew from Bengaluru separately after securing a full-fitness certificate from BCCI's NCA.

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The 12-day strength and conditioning pre-season camp, ahead of Mumbai Indians'&nbsp;first match, is being held at their in-house training facility at the Reliance Jio Stadium, Navi Mumbai.

Mumbai Indians will also play a couple of inter-squad practice matches towards the second week of the camp.

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The first-day training session was preceded with player assessment analysis by the coaching staff led by the director of cricket Zaheer Khan and coach Mahela Jayawardene.

Over the next 11-weeks, Mumbai Indians coaching staff will look at upskilling the young domestic and international recruits through individual sessions, game situations, mental aspects and physical fitness.

Joining Zaheer and Mahela in this task will be the likes of Shane Bond, Robin Singh, Kiran More, Rahul Sanghvi, Vinay Kumar, TA Sekar, Paul Chapman and data analyst CKM Dhananjai - who have a proven record of nurturing the likes of Suryakumar, Bumrah, Ishan, Pandya brothers and many more in the past.

Mumbai Indians on Tuesday began their preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 campaign. Earlier, captain Rohit Sharma accompanied by speedster Jasprit Bumrah moved from the bubble to join the squad late last night, while Ishan Kishan flew from Bengaluru separately after securing a full-fitness certificate from BCCI's NCA.

Mumbai Indians on Tuesday began their preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 campaign. Earlier, captain Rohit Sharma accompanied by speedster Jasprit Bumrah moved from the bubble to join the squad late last night, while Ishan Kishan flew from Bengaluru separately after securing a full-fitness certificate from BCCI's NCA. 🔙 home. 💫💙#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians @ImRo45 @Jaspritbumrah93 MI TV pic.twitter.com/r9qmwfky3E — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 15, 2022 × The 12-day strength and conditioning pre-season camp, ahead of Mumbai Indians' first match, is being held at their in-house training facility at the Reliance Jio Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Mumbai Indians will also play a couple of inter-squad practice matches towards the second week of the camp. ALSO READ: IPL 2022: Delhi Capitals appoint former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as assistant coach The first-day training session was preceded with player assessment analysis by the coaching staff led by the director of cricket Zaheer Khan and coach Mahela Jayawardene. Over the next 11-weeks, Mumbai Indians coaching staff will look at upskilling the young domestic and international recruits through individual sessions, game situations, mental aspects and physical fitness. Joining Zaheer and Mahela in this task will be the likes of Shane Bond, Robin Singh, Kiran More, Rahul Sanghvi, Vinay Kumar, TA Sekar, Paul Chapman and data analyst CKM Dhananjai - who have a proven record of nurturing the likes of Suryakumar, Bumrah, Ishan, Pandya brothers and many more in the past.

Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah enter camp as Mumbai Indian begin preparations for IPL 2022

India continued their dominant run as they thrashed Sri Lanka by 238 runs in the second and final Test of the two-match series at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday (March 14). Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin ran through the Sri Lankan batting line-up as the visitors were skittled out for 208 runs while chasing the target of 447 runs in their second innings.

Captain Dimuth Karunaratne slammed a fighting hundred as he notched up 107 runs off 174 deliveries and was well supported by Kusal Mendis, who scored 54 runs as Sri Lanka produced a resilient effort with the bat in their second innings of the pink-ball Test. However, the duo's efforts were not enough to get the visitors over the line in the tricky run-chase.

Bumrah, who had picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings followed it up with three important wickets during Sri Lanka's second innings. Ashwin bagged a four-wicket haul to run through the visitors' lower order as Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. clean swept the series 2-0 with yet another huge win.

This is India's record-extending 15th successive Test series win at home and Rohit's first as the captain of the side. The Hitman has had a fantastic start to his stint as India's full-time captain across all three formats with series wins against the likes of New Zealand, West Indies and Sri Lanka at home so far.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-will-end-up-being-one-of-the-greats-like-ms-dhoni-for-team-india-says-dinesh-karthik-462195">Rishabh Pant will end up being one of the greats like MS Dhoni for Team India, says Dinesh Karthik</a>

While Bumrah shone with the ball, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant impressed with the bat for India. Iyer slammed a brilliant 92-run knock in the first innings to help India post a fighting total of 252 runs on a difficult pitch for the batters. He followed it up with a quickfire 67 runs in India's second innings.

Pant slammed the fastest fifty by an Indian in Tests as he notched up&nbsp;50 off 31 balls in India's second innings to help the hosts post a total 303/9 (declared). With 303 runs in their second innings, India handed a target of 447 runs to Sri Lanka in their second innings after bundling them out for a paltry 109 runs in their first innings.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-love-his-game-legendary-kapil-dev-heaps-praise-on-ravindra-jadeja-after-his-heroics-against-sri-lanka-462182">'I love his game': Legendary Kapil Dev heaps praise on Ravindra Jadeja after his heroics against Sri Lanka</a>

Despite the century from skipper Karunaratne and a fighting fifty from Mendis, Sri Lanka were never in the run-chase but managed to cross the 200-run mark in their second innings. The visitors folded for 208 runs to lose the game by 238 runs as they remained winless in the series.

India continued their dominant run as they thrashed Sri Lanka by 238 runs in the second and final Test of the two-match series at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday (March 14).

India continued their dominant run as they thrashed Sri Lanka by 238 runs in the second and final Test of the two-match series at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday (March 14). Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin ran through the Sri Lankan batting line-up as the visitors were skittled out for 208 runs while chasing the target of 447 runs in their second innings. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne slammed a fighting hundred as he notched up 107 runs off 174 deliveries and was well supported by Kusal Mendis, who scored 54 runs as Sri Lanka produced a resilient effort with the bat in their second innings of the pink-ball Test. However, the duo's efforts were not enough to get the visitors over the line in the tricky run-chase. Bumrah, who had picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings followed it up with three important wickets during Sri Lanka's second innings. Ashwin bagged a four-wicket haul to run through the visitors' lower order as Rohit Sharma & Co. clean swept the series 2-0 with yet another huge win. This is India's record-extending 15th successive Test series win at home and Rohit's first as the captain of the side. The Hitman has had a fantastic start to his stint as India's full-time captain across all three formats with series wins against the likes of New Zealand, West Indies and Sri Lanka at home so far. Also Read: Rishabh Pant will end up being one of the greats like MS Dhoni for Team India, says Dinesh Karthik While Bumrah shone with the ball, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant impressed with the bat for India. Iyer slammed a brilliant 92-run knock in the first innings to help India post a fighting total of 252 runs on a difficult pitch for the batters. He followed it up with a quickfire 67 runs in India's second innings. Pant slammed the fastest fifty by an Indian in Tests as he notched up 50 off 31 balls in India's second innings to help the hosts post a total 303/9 (declared). With 303 runs in their second innings, India handed a target of 447 runs to Sri Lanka in their second innings after bundling them out for a paltry 109 runs in their first innings. Also Read: 'I love his game': Legendary Kapil Dev heaps praise on Ravindra Jadeja after his heroics against Sri Lanka Despite the century from skipper Karunaratne and a fighting fifty from Mendis, Sri Lanka were never in the run-chase but managed to cross the 200-run mark in their second innings. The visitors folded for 208 runs to lose the game by 238 runs as they remained winless in the series.

India thrash Sri Lanka by 238 runs to register 2-0 clean sweep, record 15th straight Test series win at home

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah bagged his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests at home during Day 2's play between India and Sri Lanka in the ongoing pink-ball encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Bumrah wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan batting line-up with the pink ball as the visitors were bundled out on a paltry 109 in response to India's first-innings total of 252 runs.

Bumrah struck early during Sri Lanka's first innings on Day 2 to draw the first blood for India by dismissing opener Kusal Mendis before getting rid of no.3 Lahiru Thirimanne cheaply on 8 off 6 balls. He then went on to complete his five-wicket haul by picking up the wickets of Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella and Lasith Embuldeniya.

<h2>Best figures by an Indian bowler against Sri Lanka in Tests</h2>

Bumrah finished with figures of 5/24 during Sri Lanka's first innings, recording the best figures by an Indian bowler against the visitors in the longest format of the game. He bettered Ishant Sharma's 5/54 against Sri Lanka at the SSC Ground in Colombo in 2015.

Indian bowlers with best figures against Sri Lanka in Tests:

5/24-Jasprit Bumrah Bengaluru 2022 
5/54- Ishant Sharma SSC Colombo 2015 
5/72- Venkatesh Prasad Kandy 2001 
5/72 Zaheer Khan CCI Mumbai 2009

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Bumrah also became only the fourth Indian bowler to pick up a five-wicket haul in a pink-ball Test match. He is the fourth pacer overall to achieve the feat as he joined the likes of Ishant, Umesh Yadav and Axar Patel in the elite list of bowlers with a fifer in a day-night Test match.

Indians with five-wicket hauls in pink-ball Tests:

Jasprit Bumrah- 5/24 vs Sri Lanka- 2022 (Bengaluru) 
Axar Patel- 6/38 vs England- 2021 (Ahmedabad) 
Axar Patel- 5/32 vs England - 2021 (Ahmedabad) 
Ishant Sharma - 5/22 vs Bangladesh - 2019 (Kolkata) 
Umesh Yadav - 5/53 vs Bangladesh- 2019 (Kolkata)

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/would-they-have-done-it-against-india-brathwaite-slams-england-for-disrespectful-tactics-vs-west-indies-461856">Would they have done it against India? Brathwaite slams England for 'disrespectful' tactics vs West Indies</a>

India amassed a healthy lead of 143 runs after bundling out Sri Lanka for just 109 runs and are currently in a strong position in the second Test as the hosts aim for a 2-0 clean sweep. India had hammered Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah bagged his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests at home during Day 2's play between India and Sri Lanka in the ongoing pink-ball encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah bagged his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests at home during Day 2's play between India and Sri Lanka in the ongoing pink-ball encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Bumrah wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan batting line-up with the pink ball as the visitors were bundled out on a paltry 109 in response to India's first-innings total of 252 runs. Bumrah struck early during Sri Lanka's first innings on Day 2 to draw the first blood for India by dismissing opener Kusal Mendis before getting rid of no.3 Lahiru Thirimanne cheaply on 8 off 6 balls. He then went on to complete his five-wicket haul by picking up the wickets of Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella and Lasith Embuldeniya. Best figures by an Indian bowler against Sri Lanka in Tests Bumrah finished with figures of 5/24 during Sri Lanka's first innings, recording the best figures by an Indian bowler against the visitors in the longest format of the game. He bettered Ishant Sharma's 5/54 against Sri Lanka at the SSC Ground in Colombo in 2015. Indian bowlers with best figures against Sri Lanka in Tests: 5/24-Jasprit Bumrah Bengaluru 2022 5/54- Ishant Sharma SSC Colombo 2015 5/72- Venkatesh Prasad Kandy 2001 5/72 Zaheer Khan CCI Mumbai 2009 Also Read: Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in elite list with 92-run knock in pink-ball Test vs Sri Lanka Bumrah also became only the fourth Indian bowler to pick up a five-wicket haul in a pink-ball Test match. He is the fourth pacer overall to achieve the feat as he joined the likes of Ishant, Umesh Yadav and Axar Patel in the elite list of bowlers with a fifer in a day-night Test match. Indians with five-wicket hauls in pink-ball Tests: Jasprit Bumrah- 5/24 vs Sri Lanka- 2022 (Bengaluru) Axar Patel- 6/38 vs England- 2021 (Ahmedabad) Axar Patel- 5/32 vs England - 2021 (Ahmedabad) Ishant Sharma - 5/22 vs Bangladesh - 2019 (Kolkata) Umesh Yadav - 5/53 vs Bangladesh- 2019 (Kolkata) Also Read: Would they have done it against India? Brathwaite slams England for 'disrespectful' tactics vs West Indies India amassed a healthy lead of 143 runs after bundling out Sri Lanka for just 109 runs and are currently in a strong position in the second Test as the hosts aim for a 2-0 clean sweep. India had hammered Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Jasprit Bumrah bags maiden Test fifer at home, records best figures by an Indian against Sri Lanka

India will lock horns with the Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka in the second and final Test on Saturday (March 12). The Rohit Sharma-led hosts are firm favourites to inflict a series whitewash after their flawless performance over the Islanders in the opening Test in Mohali.&nbsp;

Talking about the opening clash, Rohit &amp; Co. didn't put a&nbsp;foot wrong throughout the course of the match and ended up with a comprehensive win, by an innings and 222 runs. Riding on Ravindra Jadeja's 175 not out and his nine-fer, R Ashwin and Mohammed Shami's contributions with the ball (along with the former's first-innings half-century), Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari's fifties to post 574-8 decl. In reply, the Lankans were folded for 174 and 178.

Following a solid performance in Mohali, India will aim to remain unbeaten in pink-ball contests at home. So far, they have won two out of two and are in rollicking form to register another win.

Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc.&nbsp;

When is India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match taking place?

The India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match is scheduled to take place on March 12, 2022.&nbsp;

Where is India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match taking place?

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Mohali in India.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-2nd-test-rohit-sharma-eyes-virat-kohlis-record-r-ashwin-on-cusp-of-achieving-big-feats-461218">Ind vs SL, 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma eyes Virat Kohli's record, R Ashwin on cusp of achieving big feats</a>

At what time India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match taking place?

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match&nbsp;will kick off at 2:00 PM&nbsp;IST.

How to watch India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match live on TV?

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd 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 2nd Test match live streaming?

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match&nbsp;will be available to watch online/streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar App and the website.&nbsp;

India will lock horns with the Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka in the second and final Test on Saturday (March 12). The Rohit Sharma-led hosts are firm favourites to inflict a series whitewash after their flawless performance over the Islanders in the opening Test in Mohali.

India will lock horns with the Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka in the second and final Test on Saturday (March 12). The Rohit Sharma-led hosts are firm favourites to inflict a series whitewash after their flawless performance over the Islanders in the opening Test in Mohali. Talking about the opening clash, Rohit & Co. didn't put a foot wrong throughout the course of the match and ended up with a comprehensive win, by an innings and 222 runs. Riding on Ravindra Jadeja's 175 not out and his nine-fer, R Ashwin and Mohammed Shami's contributions with the ball (along with the former's first-innings half-century), Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari's fifties to post 574-8 decl. In reply, the Lankans were folded for 174 and 178. Following a solid performance in Mohali, India will aim to remain unbeaten in pink-ball contests at home. So far, they have won two out of two and are in rollicking form to register another win. Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc. When is India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match taking place? The India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match is scheduled to take place on March 12, 2022. Where is India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match taking place? India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Mohali in India. ALSO READ | Ind vs SL, 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma eyes Virat Kohli's record, R Ashwin on cusp of achieving big feats At what time India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match taking place? India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match will kick off at 2:00 PM IST. How to watch India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match live on TV? India vs Sri Lanka 2nd 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 2nd Test match live streaming? India vs Sri Lanka 2nd 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 2nd Test match - IST time and streaming details

Indian team's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah has backed the team management's decision to include all-rounder Axar Patel in the Test squad ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. The second and final Test of the two-match series between the two sides will be a pink-ball game which will be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru starting from Saturday (March 12).

Axar was included in the Test squad in place of Kuldeep, who was released ahead of the second and final Test. Backing the move, Bumrah said Axar brings a 'lot of value' to the squad which makes him a certain selection whenever he is fit. While he lauded the left-arm all-rounder for his recent impressive performances, Bumrah didn't comment on his chances of featuring in the playing XI for the pink-ball Test.

"See, Axar was part of the squad in the previous series as well and he's added a lot of value whenever we've played. In India, he's contributed a lot... He offers a lot with the bat, ball, and in the field... so he's been added. He was injured so whenever he's fit he straightaway jumps back into the squad. There'll be a discussion about what role we want [for him to play] and what combination we want to go with. But obviously, he's an important player for our team and brings a lot of value," said Bumrah in the pre-match press conference on Friday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nobody-can-touch-virat-ex-india-batting-coach-backs-kohli-to-equal-sachin-tendulkars-world-record-461005">'Nobody can touch Virat': Ex-India batting coach backs Kohli to equal Sachin Tendulkar's world record</a>

Axar, who had missed the South Africa tour of India last year due to a shin injury, also didn't feature in the home Tests against West Indies. The all-rounder had contracted COVID-19 and was sent to the NCA for rehab. He was recently cleared by the BCCI medical team to make his comeback for the Indian team.

He has been brought in place of Kuldeep, who has been enduring a rough patch in his international career for a while now and has been struggling to get regular opportunities in both Tests and limited-overs formats. In the first Test against Sri Lanka, Jayant Yadav was preferred over Kuldeep, who was left on the bench.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-not-ravindra-jadeja-former-india-cricketer-questions-bcci-over-not-awarding-a-contract-to-all-rounder-461202">Why not Jadeja? Former India cricketer questions BCCI over not awarding A+ contract to all-rounder</a>

While many believe Kuldeep has been dropped from the Test side, Bumrah explained the Chinaman spinner has not been dropped but rested. Bumrah said the break will Kuldeep spend some time with his family ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 as living in a bio-bubble can take a toll on a player's mental health.

"See, he hasn't been removed from the team per se. He's been in the bubble for a long time, hasn't been home as well. So when his chances of playing were a bit less, he'll get the chance to spend some time with his family before the IPL. He's been sent home and rested from that aspect. It's not that he's been dropped." 
Bumrah said.

"Players' well-being is also very important because it's not very easy to stay in the bubble. Obviously, every player wants to play every game but the mental aspect is also important. Whenever he'll get the opportunity, he'll try and do well but in this scenario, [we wanted him] to get some time at home because then he'll once again get two months of the bubble in the IPL and won't be able to meet his family," he added. 
&nbsp;

Indian team's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah has backed the team management's decision to include all-rounder Axar Patel in the Test squad ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru.

Indian team's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah has backed the team management's decision to include all-rounder Axar Patel in the Test squad ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. The second and final Test of the two-match series between the two sides will be a pink-ball game which will be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru starting from Saturday (March 12). Axar was included in the Test squad in place of Kuldeep, who was released ahead of the second and final Test. Backing the move, Bumrah said Axar brings a 'lot of value' to the squad which makes him a certain selection whenever he is fit. While he lauded the left-arm all-rounder for his recent impressive performances, Bumrah didn't comment on his chances of featuring in the playing XI for the pink-ball Test. "See, Axar was part of the squad in the previous series as well and he's added a lot of value whenever we've played. In India, he's contributed a lot... He offers a lot with the bat, ball, and in the field... so he's been added. He was injured so whenever he's fit he straightaway jumps back into the squad. There'll be a discussion about what role we want [for him to play] and what combination we want to go with. But obviously, he's an important player for our team and brings a lot of value," said Bumrah in the pre-match press conference on Friday. Also Read: 'Nobody can touch Virat': Ex-India batting coach backs Kohli to equal Sachin Tendulkar's world record Axar, who had missed the South Africa tour of India last year due to a shin injury, also didn't feature in the home Tests against West Indies. The all-rounder had contracted COVID-19 and was sent to the NCA for rehab. He was recently cleared by the BCCI medical team to make his comeback for the Indian team. He has been brought in place of Kuldeep, who has been enduring a rough patch in his international career for a while now and has been struggling to get regular opportunities in both Tests and limited-overs formats. In the first Test against Sri Lanka, Jayant Yadav was preferred over Kuldeep, who was left on the bench. Also Read: Why not Jadeja? Former India cricketer questions BCCI over not awarding A+ contract to all-rounder While many believe Kuldeep has been dropped from the Test side, Bumrah explained the Chinaman spinner has not been dropped but rested. Bumrah said the break will Kuldeep spend some time with his family ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 as living in a bio-bubble can take a toll on a player's mental health. "See, he hasn't been removed from the team per se. He's been in the bubble for a long time, hasn't been home as well. So when his chances of playing were a bit less, he'll get the chance to spend some time with his family before the IPL. He's been sent home and rested from that aspect. It's not that he's been dropped." Bumrah said. "Players' well-being is also very important because it's not very easy to stay in the bubble. Obviously, every player wants to play every game but the mental aspect is also important. Whenever he'll get the opportunity, he'll try and do well but in this scenario, [we wanted him] to get some time at home because then he'll once again get two months of the bubble in the IPL and won't be able to meet his family," he added.

'He hasn't been dropped': Jasprit Bumrah on Kuldeep Yadav getting replaced by Axar Patel in Test squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the annual contracts for its players for the upcoming season. BCCI awards the contracts based on the performances of the players across formats in the previous cycle. While some are promoted to upper categories, some are demoted based on their performances.

As the details of the BCCI annual contracts for the 2022-23 season emerged, a number of major changes were witnessed. Senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma were demoted to the Grade B category while the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel were promoted from Grade C to B.

However, there was no change in the A+ category - which is the highest bracket. BCCI retained only three players in the top category with captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and pacer Jasprit Bumrah making the cut. The players in the A+ category are paid Rs 7 crore (INR 70 million) annually while those in the A, B and C category earn Rs 5 crore, Rs 3 crore and Rs 1 crore&nbsp;respectively.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned the absence of star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the A+ category. Jadeja, who has been an integral member of India's squad across formats, has been kept in the A category. Chopra said the left-arm all-rounder's name should be in the top category considering his recent performances for the country.

"Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah will get 7 crores rupees. There is no change in that category. And I feel why not Sir Jadeja? Sir Jadeja's name should also be there in this list," said Chopra in a video on his YouTube channel.

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>

While he backed Jadeja to be promoted to the A+ category, Chopra also said the likes of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will also head to the top bracket soon considering their importance to the Indian side. While Pant is India's first-choice wicket-keeper across formats, Rahul has also been a crucial cog in the batting line-up across formats.

"I feel Ravindra Jadeja's name will go in the A+ category when the next contract renewal happens because his performance has been so good. His name is in Grade A currently. I feel Jadeja and KL Rahul's name will start going to A+ next time," said the former India cricketer.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nobody-can-touch-virat-ex-india-batting-coach-backs-kohli-to-equal-sachin-tendulkars-world-record-461005">&nbsp;'Nobody can touch Virat': Ex-India batting coach backs Kohli to equal Sachin Tendulkar's world record</a>

"Rishabh Pant is going to be a massive contender, you have made him the team's vice-captain but have placed him below. The same is for KL Rahul, move them up, get them to the 7 crores group, that's what I feel," he added.

&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the annual contracts for its players for the upcoming season. BCCI awards the contracts based on the performances of the players across formats in the previous cycle.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the annual contracts for its players for the upcoming season. BCCI awards the contracts based on the performances of the players across formats in the previous cycle. While some are promoted to upper categories, some are demoted based on their performances. As the details of the BCCI annual contracts for the 2022-23 season emerged, a number of major changes were witnessed. Senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma were demoted to the Grade B category while the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel were promoted from Grade C to B. However, there was no change in the A+ category - which is the highest bracket. BCCI retained only three players in the top category with captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and pacer Jasprit Bumrah making the cut. The players in the A+ category are paid Rs 7 crore (INR 70 million) annually while those in the A, B and C category earn Rs 5 crore, Rs 3 crore and Rs 1 crore respectively. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned the absence of star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the A+ category. Jadeja, who has been an integral member of India's squad across formats, has been kept in the A category. Chopra said the left-arm all-rounder's name should be in the top category considering his recent performances for the country. "Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah will get 7 crores rupees. There is no change in that category. And I feel why not Sir Jadeja? Sir Jadeja's name should also be there in this list," said Chopra in a video on his YouTube channel. Also Read: From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22 While he backed Jadeja to be promoted to the A+ category, Chopra also said the likes of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will also head to the top bracket soon considering their importance to the Indian side. While Pant is India's first-choice wicket-keeper across formats, Rahul has also been a crucial cog in the batting line-up across formats. "I feel Ravindra Jadeja's name will go in the A+ category when the next contract renewal happens because his performance has been so good. His name is in Grade A currently. I feel Jadeja and KL Rahul's name will start going to A+ next time," said the former India cricketer. Also Read: 'Nobody can touch Virat': Ex-India batting coach backs Kohli to equal Sachin Tendulkar's world record "Rishabh Pant is going to be a massive contender, you have made him the team's vice-captain but have placed him below. The same is for KL Rahul, move them up, get them to the 7 crores group, that's what I feel," he added.

Why not Ravindra Jadeja? Former India cricketer questions BCCI over not awarding A+ contract to all-rounder

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."

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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

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, died aged 52 on Friday (March 04). In a brief statement, Warne's management informed that the former Australian cricketer passed away due to a suspected heart attack in Thailand. Warne's shocking demise has left the entire cricketing fraternity mourning.

One of the best spinners of all time, Warne was known for his ability to trouble the best of batters with his spin wizardry. He produced numerous match-winning performances for Australia in an international career filled with several highs and lows.

Warne was the first to complete the milestone of 700 Test wickets and was the highest wicket-taker in Tests at a time before being surpassed by Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, who finished his career with 800 wickets in the longest format. Warne also holds the record for most wickets in a calendar year in Test cricket with a staggering 96 scalps in 2005.

The cricket fraternity paid rich tributes after the news of Warne's shocking demise emerged on Friday. A number of current and former Indian cricketers including the likes of captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuvraj Singh and others took to Twitter to express their condolences.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-cricket-legend-shane-warne-passes-away-aged-52-due-to-suspected-heart-attack-458992">Australian cricket legend Shane Warne passes away aged 52 due to suspected heart attack</a>

"Life is so fickle and unpredictable. I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball," wrote Kohli in a tweet.

"I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it," tweeted Rohit Sharma.

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Life is so fickle and unpredictable. I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/goat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#goat</a>. Greatest to turn the cricket ball. <a href="https://t.co/YtOkiBM53q">pic.twitter.com/YtOkiBM53q</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1499763424145727491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/1499757267716952067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Cannot believe it. 
One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more. 
Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world. <a href="https://t.co/f7FUzZBaYX">pic.twitter.com/f7FUzZBaYX</a>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1499748352048599041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Shocked beyond words. A legend of our game, an icon, and someone who revolutionised spin bowling. RIP Shane Warne. <a href="https://t.co/4rjArGHpSp">pic.twitter.com/4rjArGHpSp</a>
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93/status/1499758950698258432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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At loss of words to hear about the demise of our cricketing legend Shane Warne, he was always magical on the field. May peace be with you. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShaneWarne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShaneWarne</a>
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1499757085726154752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It’s a sad day for world cricket. First the news of Rodney Marsh &amp; now Shane Warne Heartbreaking! I have fond memories of playing with Warne. He was the king of spin &amp; a legend of the game who’s gone way before his time. RIP. You will be missed my condolences to his family
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1499764311144943620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Sad, speechless, and completely shocked. An incredible loss to cricket. I have no words. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the sport. Rest in Peace, Shane Warne. Sending my condolences to his loved ones. <a href="https://t.co/wO7VenwVSD">pic.twitter.com/wO7VenwVSD</a>
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25/status/1499754974242238465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Nooooooooooooooo can’t believe you are no more <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShaneWarne</a> RIP my HERO .. don’t wanna believe this .. totally shattered
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1499753833358323712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-huge-loss-for-cricket-world-reacts-to-shocking-demise-of-legendary-cricketer-shane-warne-459005">'A huge loss for cricket': World reacts to shocking demise of legendary cricketer Shane Warne</a>

Warne is regarded as one of the greatest spinners to have played the game. He made his international debut for Australia against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1993. He went on to play 145 Tests and 194 ODIs in his international career spanning over 15 years.

With 708 wickets in Tests, Warne is Australia's highest wicket-taker in the longest format and is the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests overall. He picked up 293 wickets in ODIs before retiring as one of the greats of the game.

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, died aged 52 on Friday (March 04). In a brief statement, Warne's management informed that the former Australian cricketer passed away due to a suspected heart attack in Thailand.

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, died aged 52 on Friday (March 04). In a brief statement, Warne's management informed that the former Australian cricketer passed away due to a suspected heart attack in Thailand. Warne's shocking demise has left the entire cricketing fraternity mourning. One of the best spinners of all time, Warne was known for his ability to trouble the best of batters with his spin wizardry. He produced numerous match-winning performances for Australia in an international career filled with several highs and lows. Warne was the first to complete the milestone of 700 Test wickets and was the highest wicket-taker in Tests at a time before being surpassed by Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, who finished his career with 800 wickets in the longest format. Warne also holds the record for most wickets in a calendar year in Test cricket with a staggering 96 scalps in 2005. The cricket fraternity paid rich tributes after the news of Warne's shocking demise emerged on Friday. A number of current and former Indian cricketers including the likes of captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuvraj Singh and others took to Twitter to express their condolences. Also Read: Australian cricket legend Shane Warne passes away aged 52 due to suspected heart attack "Life is so fickle and unpredictable. I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball," wrote Kohli in a tweet. "I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it," tweeted Rohit Sharma. Life is so fickle and unpredictable. I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball. pic.twitter.com/YtOkiBM53q — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 4, 2022 × I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 4, 2022 × Cannot believe it. One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more. Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world. pic.twitter.com/f7FUzZBaYX — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 4, 2022 × Shocked beyond words. A legend of our game, an icon, and someone who revolutionised spin bowling. RIP Shane Warne. pic.twitter.com/4rjArGHpSp — Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) March 4, 2022 × At loss of words to hear about the demise of our cricketing legend Shane Warne, he was always magical on the field. May peace be with you. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. #ShaneWarne — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) March 4, 2022 × It’s a sad day for world cricket. First the news of Rodney Marsh & now Shane Warne Heartbreaking! I have fond memories of playing with Warne. He was the king of spin & a legend of the game who’s gone way before his time. RIP. You will be missed my condolences to his family — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) March 4, 2022 × Sad, speechless, and completely shocked. An incredible loss to cricket. I have no words. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the sport. Rest in Peace, Shane Warne. Sending my condolences to his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/wO7VenwVSD — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) March 4, 2022 × Nooooooooooooooo can’t believe you are no more @ShaneWarne RIP my HERO .. don’t wanna believe this .. totally shattered — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 4, 2022 × Also Read: 'A huge loss for cricket': World reacts to shocking demise of legendary cricketer Shane Warne Warne is regarded as one of the greatest spinners to have played the game. He made his international debut for Australia against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1993. He went on to play 145 Tests and 194 ODIs in his international career spanning over 15 years. With 708 wickets in Tests, Warne is Australia's highest wicket-taker in the longest format and is the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests overall. He picked up 293 wickets in ODIs before retiring as one of the greats of the game.

An absolute legend! Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli & others pay tribute after Shane Warne's shocking demise

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

It wasn't quite a smooth transition in Indian cricket when Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri-era came to an end, slowly making&nbsp;way for the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid's alliance. When Kohli resigned as the T20I captain and Rohit was named his successor, the Indian cricket fans were in for a rollercoaster ride as many changed followed suit.&nbsp;

In late 2021, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI captain, making Rohit the&nbsp;white-ball skipper. While it opened a pandora of box -- with the Kohli vs BCCI row gaining much limelight -- the dust seems to have settled down on the&nbsp;communication mishap between BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly-selection committee and the former captain. The changes in the leadership group, however, continued&nbsp;as Kohli also resigned as the Test captain in mid-January 2022.&nbsp;

At present, Rohit has&nbsp;become&nbsp;the all-format skipper with Dravid being in his shadow as the head coach. Amid the unnecessary chaos and negativity, India have been on a roll at home with a forgettable&nbsp;South Africa tour the only blip in between. However, things are now slowly starting to shape up and falling into places within the national team.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-would-give-me-important-overs-jasprit-bumrah-reveals-how-rohit-sharma-helped-in-his-growth-456807">He would give me important overs: Jasprit Bumrah reveals how Rohit Sharma helped in his growth</a>

After their SA annihilation, Team India has been on a roll -- although in home conditions. Rohit-led India whitewashed West Indies in the home white-ball series and the hosts have already gained an unassailable lead in the ongoing three T20Is versus Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

With the SL series also in their grasp, Rohit-Dravid is yet to lose an international game as&nbsp;captain-coach. In fact, India are currently enjoying their longest unbeaten streak in the shortest format&nbsp;(11).&nbsp;

Thus, what is the duo doing right despite much chaos in their brief partnership? (If&nbsp;the BCCI vs Kohli row is now on the backburner, out-of-favour Wriddiman Saha's revelations on his communication with Dravid, Ganguly, etc. have also made a lot of noise)&nbsp;

Role clarity, focus on flexibility and plugging small holes

In the recent past, Rohit-Dravid have spoken a lot on giving bio-bubble breaks to the players (currently enjoyed by&nbsp;Kohli, Md Shami, Rishabh Pant),&nbsp;role clarity and redeveloping a proper communication process&nbsp;(It is to be noted that despite the success enjoyed by Shastri-Kohli, their partnership highlighted communication gap between players and team management on several occasions:&nbsp;during M Vijay, Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane's respective omissions, etc.).&nbsp;

Backing even a non-regular like Sanju Samson

Ahead of the SL T20Is, captain Rohit talked about being the team's plans of being flexible by relentlessly backing even their non-regular players&nbsp;ahead of&nbsp;the 2022 T20 World Cup. Rohit opined on Sanju Samson and told the reporters, "That guy has got talent, man. Whenever I have seen him bat in IPL and all of that, he has just produced an innings where everyone goes over the moon watching it. So he has got the skill set to succeed. That is the whole point about the sport. A lot of people have skill set, lot of people have talent but how you utilise them is the most critical par."

"His back-foot play is superb, some of the shots you must have seen during the IPL, the pick-up pull, the cut shots, standing and delivering over bowler’s head. Those kinds of shots are not easy to play and I believe when we go to Australia, you need those kind of shot-making ability and Samson does has it in him. I just hope that he utilises his potential to the maximum,” added Rohit.

(Sanju repaid the faith with a blistering 25-ball 39 in the second and penultimate encounter versus the Islanders).

Dropped but no way out of reckoning...

With Shreyas Iyer not making it to the playing XI in India's 1st T20I versus West Indies, Rohit made it clear that the batter remains a vital cog in the setup. "Someone like Shreyas Iyer&nbsp;is sitting out, very hard on him not making it to playing eleven, but we needed someone to bowl in the middle which is why we couldn't get him in. It's always nice with that kind of competition going around and a lot of the guys are missing out as well. I'm happy to have that kind of challenges rather than not having players available and not in form," he had told at the post-match presentation.

(Iyer is in rollicking form&nbsp;with two electrifying half-centuries&nbsp;in the SL T20Is).

Dravid on Saha's omission&nbsp;

Dravid welcomed the big question on Saha's Test omission -- without losing his cool&nbsp;-- and told the reporters after the WI T20Is, "I’m actually not hurt at all, because I have deep respect for Wridhhiman Saha and his achievements, his contribution to Indian cricket. My conversation with him actually came from that place. I think he deserved honesty and he deserved clarity. These are conversations I constantly have with players. I don’t expect players to always like messages or to agree with everything that I have to say about them. That’s not how it works."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/theyre-taking-team-india-in-a-fabulous-direction-dinesh-karthik-lauds-rahul-dravid-rohit-sharma-456046">They're taking Team India in a fabulous direction: Dinesh Karthik lauds Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma</a>

Thus, the team is now slowly plugging the gaps which were previously present in the Indian team, under Kohli-Shastri.&nbsp;

Highlighting the same, Dinesh Karthik recently&nbsp;told the ICC, "The new captain and there's a new coach, I think they are taking the team in a fabulous direction. They've plugged small holes, which were probably there previously, and that has been the beautiful part about it. And along the way, in the journey, they've managed to become No.1."

Time and again, Rohit-Dravid have not shied away from stressing that&nbsp;they are preparing the team for the 2022 T20 WC, albeit with some tinkering in team combination and roles&nbsp;(In the previous captain-coach pairing,&nbsp;one eye was on the future but never openly declared in public; showcasing a rather confused mindset).

The current Indian team is slowly picking the lying pieces and moving ahead. The Men in Blue are trying to experiment with their template (which resulted in their first-round exit in the 2021 T20 WC), trying to balance out between youth and experienced campaigners,&nbsp;identifying new leaders, tinkering roles of different individuals to not increase their options but&nbsp;to broaden the horizons of the resources available.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/they-were-standing-there-for-me-ishan-kishan-credits-rohit-dravid-for-backing-him-despite-poor-form-456502">They were standing there for me: Ishan Kishan credits Rohit, Dravid for backing him despite poor form</a>

After the WI home series, coach Dravid confirmed that the team management 'don't want to cast their net too wide'; to avoid confusion and irregularity in team selection.&nbsp;"There is no set time frame to freeze on a team. We don’t want to cast our net too wide but we also don’t want to just restrict ourselves to 15 players. By the time we get to the [T20] World Cup, we need to have a bunch of guys who have at least played 10-20 games," the former captain stated.

Surely, Dravid-Rohit pairing is off to a flier. The real test is still miles away but they are not backing out from&nbsp;acknowledging&nbsp;the past mistakes and are boldly&nbsp;setting up new ways going forward.&nbsp;Sit back and relax guys...The road will clearly have more hurdles and speed-breakers but the Rohit-Dravid&nbsp;looks more suited to handle it all with a pragmatic and practical approach.

It wasn't quite a smooth transition in Indian cricket when Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri-era came to an end, slowly making way for the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid's alliance.

It wasn't quite a smooth transition in Indian cricket when Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri-era came to an end, slowly making way for the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid's alliance. When Kohli resigned as the T20I captain and Rohit was named his successor, the Indian cricket fans were in for a rollercoaster ride as many changed followed suit. In late 2021, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI captain, making Rohit the white-ball skipper. While it opened a pandora of box -- with the Kohli vs BCCI row gaining much limelight -- the dust seems to have settled down on the communication mishap between BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly-selection committee and the former captain. The changes in the leadership group, however, continued as Kohli also resigned as the Test captain in mid-January 2022. At present, Rohit has become the all-format skipper with Dravid being in his shadow as the head coach. Amid the unnecessary chaos and negativity, India have been on a roll at home with a forgettable South Africa tour the only blip in between. However, things are now slowly starting to shape up and falling into places within the national team. ALSO READ | He would give me important overs: Jasprit Bumrah reveals how Rohit Sharma helped in his growth After their SA annihilation, Team India has been on a roll -- although in home conditions. Rohit-led India whitewashed West Indies in the home white-ball series and the hosts have already gained an unassailable lead in the ongoing three T20Is versus Sri Lanka. With the SL series also in their grasp, Rohit-Dravid is yet to lose an international game as captain-coach. In fact, India are currently enjoying their longest unbeaten streak in the shortest format (11). Thus, what is the duo doing right despite much chaos in their brief partnership? (If the BCCI vs Kohli row is now on the backburner, out-of-favour Wriddiman Saha's revelations on his communication with Dravid, Ganguly, etc. have also made a lot of noise) Role clarity, focus on flexibility and plugging small holes In the recent past, Rohit-Dravid have spoken a lot on giving bio-bubble breaks to the players (currently enjoyed by Kohli, Md Shami, Rishabh Pant), role clarity and redeveloping a proper communication process (It is to be noted that despite the success enjoyed by Shastri-Kohli, their partnership highlighted communication gap between players and team management on several occasions: during M Vijay, Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane's respective omissions, etc.). Backing even a non-regular like Sanju Samson Ahead of the SL T20Is, captain Rohit talked about being the team's plans of being flexible by relentlessly backing even their non-regular players ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Rohit opined on Sanju Samson and told the reporters, "That guy has got talent, man. Whenever I have seen him bat in IPL and all of that, he has just produced an innings where everyone goes over the moon watching it. So he has got the skill set to succeed. That is the whole point about the sport. A lot of people have skill set, lot of people have talent but how you utilise them is the most critical par." "His back-foot play is superb, some of the shots you must have seen during the IPL, the pick-up pull, the cut shots, standing and delivering over bowler’s head. Those kinds of shots are not easy to play and I believe when we go to Australia, you need those kind of shot-making ability and Samson does has it in him. I just hope that he utilises his potential to the maximum,” added Rohit. (Sanju repaid the faith with a blistering 25-ball 39 in the second and penultimate encounter versus the Islanders). Dropped but no way out of reckoning... With Shreyas Iyer not making it to the playing XI in India's 1st T20I versus West Indies, Rohit made it clear that the batter remains a vital cog in the setup. "Someone like Shreyas Iyer is sitting out, very hard on him not making it to playing eleven, but we needed someone to bowl in the middle which is why we couldn't get him in. It's always nice with that kind of competition going around and a lot of the guys are missing out as well. I'm happy to have that kind of challenges rather than not having players available and not in form," he had told at the post-match presentation. (Iyer is in rollicking form with two electrifying half-centuries in the SL T20Is). Dravid on Saha's omission Dravid welcomed the big question on Saha's Test omission -- without losing his cool -- and told the reporters after the WI T20Is, "I’m actually not hurt at all, because I have deep respect for Wridhhiman Saha and his achievements, his contribution to Indian cricket. My conversation with him actually came from that place. I think he deserved honesty and he deserved clarity. These are conversations I constantly have with players. I don’t expect players to always like messages or to agree with everything that I have to say about them. That’s not how it works." ALSO READ | They're taking Team India in a fabulous direction: Dinesh Karthik lauds Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma Thus, the team is now slowly plugging the gaps which were previously present in the Indian team, under Kohli-Shastri. Highlighting the same, Dinesh Karthik recently told the ICC, "The new captain and there's a new coach, I think they are taking the team in a fabulous direction. They've plugged small holes, which were probably there previously, and that has been the beautiful part about it. And along the way, in the journey, they've managed to become No.1." Time and again, Rohit-Dravid have not shied away from stressing that they are preparing the team for the 2022 T20 WC, albeit with some tinkering in team combination and roles (In the previous captain-coach pairing, one eye was on the future but never openly declared in public; showcasing a rather confused mindset). The current Indian team is slowly picking the lying pieces and moving ahead. The Men in Blue are trying to experiment with their template (which resulted in their first-round exit in the 2021 T20 WC), trying to balance out between youth and experienced campaigners, identifying new leaders, tinkering roles of different individuals to not increase their options but to broaden the horizons of the resources available. ALSO READ | They were standing there for me: Ishan Kishan credits Rohit, Dravid for backing him despite poor form After the WI home series, coach Dravid confirmed that the team management 'don't want to cast their net too wide'; to avoid confusion and irregularity in team selection. "There is no set time frame to freeze on a team. We don’t want to cast our net too wide but we also don’t want to just restrict ourselves to 15 players. By the time we get to the [T20] World Cup, we need to have a bunch of guys who have at least played 10-20 games," the former captain stated. Surely, Dravid-Rohit pairing is off to a flier. The real test is still miles away but they are not backing out from acknowledging the past mistakes and are boldly setting up new ways going forward. Sit back and relax guys...The road will clearly have more hurdles and speed-breakers but the Rohit-Dravid looks more suited to handle it all with a pragmatic and practical approach.

Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid partnership: A promising alliance focused on role clarity & plugging small holes

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

Indian cricket team's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday (March 01) reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to conduct Virat Kohli's 100th Test for India behind closed doors. The first Test of the upcoming three-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, Punjab will mark Kohli's 100th appearance in the longest format for the national side.

Bumrah said the team is not thinking about the match being played without any crowd at the stadium and that they will be focused on winning the game. It will be a memorable day for Kohli, who will walk out in his 100th Test on Friday and many believe the former Indian captain deserved to play the milestone game in front of fans.

However, the BCCI and the Punjab Cricket Association has decided to not have any crowd for the game due to COVID-19. The Punjab Cricket Association had confirmed the game will be played behind closed doors. When asked about the same, Bumrah said to have crowd&nbsp;or not was in the hands of the players and the team is focused on winning the game.

"Right now we're focussed on what we can control. Of course, if there's a crowd it's great since they bring energy. &nbsp;It's a big match for Virat Kohli obviously, but that's something which is out of our control. We don't decide the rules," said Bumrah, who will be skipper Rohit Sharma's deputy for the series.

Kohli will become the 11th Indian player after the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Kapil Dev among others to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches for the country. He has been one of India's best batters in the longest format over the years and is also India's most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 Test matches as skipper.

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>

Bumrah lauded Kohli for the brilliant milestone and said it's another feather to the illustrious cap of the former Indian skipper. The premier pacer also lauded Kohli for contributing a lot to the Indian team's success in Tests over the last few years.

"It is always a special achievement for a player to play 100 Tests. Virat has contributed a lot to this team and will continue to do so. It is another feather on his cap and I would like to congratulate Kohli. It is a testimony of his hard work," said Bumrah.

The first Test between India and Sri Lanka will get underway in Mohali from Friday. 
&nbsp;

Indian cricket team's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday (March 01) reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to conduct Virat Kohli's 100th Test for India behind closed doors.

Indian cricket team's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday (March 01) reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to conduct Virat Kohli's 100th Test for India behind closed doors. The first Test of the upcoming three-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, Punjab will mark Kohli's 100th appearance in the longest format for the national side. Bumrah said the team is not thinking about the match being played without any crowd at the stadium and that they will be focused on winning the game. It will be a memorable day for Kohli, who will walk out in his 100th Test on Friday and many believe the former Indian captain deserved to play the milestone game in front of fans. However, the BCCI and the Punjab Cricket Association has decided to not have any crowd for the game due to COVID-19. The Punjab Cricket Association had confirmed the game will be played behind closed doors. When asked about the same, Bumrah said to have crowd or not was in the hands of the players and the team is focused on winning the game. "Right now we're focussed on what we can control. Of course, if there's a crowd it's great since they bring energy. It's a big match for Virat Kohli obviously, but that's something which is out of our control. We don't decide the rules," said Bumrah, who will be skipper Rohit Sharma's deputy for the series. Kohli will become the 11th Indian player after the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Kapil Dev among others to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches for the country. He has been one of India's best batters in the longest format over the years and is also India's most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 Test matches as skipper. Also Read: Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar Bumrah lauded Kohli for the brilliant milestone and said it's another feather to the illustrious cap of the former Indian skipper. The premier pacer also lauded Kohli for contributing a lot to the Indian team's success in Tests over the last few years. "It is always a special achievement for a player to play 100 Tests. Virat has contributed a lot to this team and will continue to do so. It is another feather on his cap and I would like to congratulate Kohli. It is a testimony of his hard work," said Bumrah. The first Test between India and Sri Lanka will get underway in Mohali from Friday.

'Not in our hands': Jasprit Bumrah reacts to Virat Kohli's 100th Test being played behind closed doors

Jasprit Bumrah has grown in stature significantly with each passing year. He debuted in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2013 but hardly got regular appearances. In his first two seasons, Bumrah didn't play a massive role in Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians' (MI) campaign but slowly and steadily moved up the ladder, with good performances in domestic circuit and following his international debut in early 2016.

To date, Bumrah remains one of the most important players for the MI franchise. He has helped the Mumbai-based franchise win plenty of close encounters, and trophies,&nbsp;picking up 130 wickets in 106 matches at an impressive average of 23.03. Recently, in a conversation with R Ashwin on the wily spinner's Youtube channel, Bumrah spilled the beans on his relationship with Rohit and revealed how Hitman helped him in his growth.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-2nd-t20i-rohit-sharma-on-the-cusp-of-achieving-major-milestones-in-dharamshala-456712">Ind vs SL, 2nd T20I: Rohit Sharma on the cusp of achieving major milestones in Dharamshala</a>

"It's been very good (Relationship) since the early days. When I came into the side, Ricky Ponting was the captain but I was not playing regularly. But under Rohit, I did. He had a lot of confidence in me, he instilled confidence." He asserted, "He (Rohit) saw me bowling in the nets and the skills that I have. He always backed me, told me to believe in myself. Whenever in the initial stages as well, he had a lot of trust in me. He would give me the important overs. It's been the same relationship."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-new-format-explained-mumbai-indians-and-chennai-super-kings-headline-two-groups-456529">IPL 2022 new format explained: Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings headline two groups</a>

Bumrah further added, "Now we have reached a stage he doesn't even tell me things. He will tell 'you set the field on your own, if you have any changes, tell me, I will do that'. He has had that trust because I have made things work. Somedays, things might not go well, but he always has kept the atmosphere in our team very simple and calm. Under him, I have got the freedom to do whatever I want. That has really helped me."

At present, Bumrah is India and MI's vital cog across formats. He is currently serving as Rohit's deputy in India's ongoing three-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. Bumrah played his first-ever game in the shortest format post the 2021 T20 World Cup when India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the series opener in Lucknow on Thursday (February 24).

India and Sri Lanka meet each other in the second and penultimate T20I on Saturday evening (February 26) in Dharamshala.

Jasprit Bumrah has grown in stature significantly with each passing year. He debuted in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2013 but hardly got regular appearances.

Jasprit Bumrah has grown in stature significantly with each passing year. He debuted in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2013 but hardly got regular appearances. In his first two seasons, Bumrah didn't play a massive role in Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians' (MI) campaign but slowly and steadily moved up the ladder, with good performances in domestic circuit and following his international debut in early 2016. To date, Bumrah remains one of the most important players for the MI franchise. He has helped the Mumbai-based franchise win plenty of close encounters, and trophies, picking up 130 wickets in 106 matches at an impressive average of 23.03. Recently, in a conversation with R Ashwin on the wily spinner's Youtube channel, Bumrah spilled the beans on his relationship with Rohit and revealed how Hitman helped him in his growth. ALSO READ | Ind vs SL, 2nd T20I: Rohit Sharma on the cusp of achieving major milestones in Dharamshala "It's been very good (Relationship) since the early days. When I came into the side, Ricky Ponting was the captain but I was not playing regularly. But under Rohit, I did. He had a lot of confidence in me, he instilled confidence." He asserted, "He (Rohit) saw me bowling in the nets and the skills that I have. He always backed me, told me to believe in myself. Whenever in the initial stages as well, he had a lot of trust in me. He would give me the important overs. It's been the same relationship." ALSO READ | IPL 2022 new format explained: Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings headline two groups Bumrah further added, "Now we have reached a stage he doesn't even tell me things. He will tell 'you set the field on your own, if you have any changes, tell me, I will do that'. He has had that trust because I have made things work. Somedays, things might not go well, but he always has kept the atmosphere in our team very simple and calm. Under him, I have got the freedom to do whatever I want. That has really helped me." At present, Bumrah is India and MI's vital cog across formats. He is currently serving as Rohit's deputy in India's ongoing three-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. Bumrah played his first-ever game in the shortest format post the 2021 T20 World Cup when India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the series opener in Lucknow on Thursday (February 24). India and Sri Lanka meet each other in the second and penultimate T20I on Saturday evening (February 26) in Dharamshala.

He would give me important overs: Jasprit Bumrah reveals how Rohit Sharma helped in his growth

India thrashed Sri Lanka by 62 runs in the first of the three-match T20I series on Thursday evening (February 24) to go 1-0 up in the series. With this win, India also attained their biggest winning streak in the shortest format (10).&nbsp;

Post India's back-to-back defeats in the opening two games of the 2021 T20 World Cup, in the UAE, the Men in Blue have been on a roll with their unbeaten streak now stretching to ten games. By virtue of this, India became the second-Test playing nation to attain 10 successive wins (fourth overall).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-to-kick-off-from-march-26-league-stage-to-be-played-in-mumbai-pune-456160">IPL 2022 to kick off from March 26, league stage to be played in Mumbai, Pune</a>

Talking about the series opener, played in Lucknow, Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision backfired as Ishan Kishan-Rohit's century-stand took India off to a flier. While Rohit fell for 32-ball 44, he became the leading run-getter in the shortest format.&nbsp;

After Rohit's fall, Ishan's 56-ball 89 (at a strike-rate of 158.93) and Shreyas Iyer's 28-ball 57 not out (filled with 5 fours, 2 sixes) propelled the home side to a daunting 199-2. This effort came in the absence of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-rohit-sharma-moves-past-martin-guptill-virat-kohli-to-become-highest-run-getter-in-t20is-456120">Ind vs SL: Rohit Sharma moves past Martin Guptill, Virat Kohli to become highest run-getter in T20Is</a>

In reply, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka on the very first ball of the steep run-chase. Bhuvneshwar Kumar also removed Kamil Mishara for cheap whereas Dinesh Chandimal, Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne fell after getting a start each. Rohit once again rotated his bowlers with ease as Bhuvi, Venkestesh Iyer chipped in with two wickets each whereas Yuzi Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja maintained the pressure with one wicket apiece. Chahal also became the leading wicket-taker for the Men in Blue after dismissing Shanaka.&nbsp;

Eventually, SL were restricted for 137 for 6 in their full quota of overs (courtesy of Charith Asalanka's gritty 53*) as they were never in the run-chase and struggled to stitch partnerships.&nbsp;

The second and penultimate T20I will be held in Dharamshala on Saturday (February 26).

India thrashed Sri Lanka by 62 runs in the first of the three-match T20I series on Thursday evening (February 24) to go 1-0 up in the series. With this win, India also attained their biggest winning streak in the shortest format (10).

India thrashed Sri Lanka by 62 runs in the first of the three-match T20I series on Thursday evening (February 24) to go 1-0 up in the series. With this win, India also attained their biggest winning streak in the shortest format (10). Post India's back-to-back defeats in the opening two games of the 2021 T20 World Cup, in the UAE, the Men in Blue have been on a roll with their unbeaten streak now stretching to ten games. By virtue of this, India became the second-Test playing nation to attain 10 successive wins (fourth overall). ALSO READ | IPL 2022 to kick off from March 26, league stage to be played in Mumbai, Pune Talking about the series opener, played in Lucknow, Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision backfired as Ishan Kishan-Rohit's century-stand took India off to a flier. While Rohit fell for 32-ball 44, he became the leading run-getter in the shortest format. After Rohit's fall, Ishan's 56-ball 89 (at a strike-rate of 158.93) and Shreyas Iyer's 28-ball 57 not out (filled with 5 fours, 2 sixes) propelled the home side to a daunting 199-2. This effort came in the absence of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. ALSO READ | Ind vs SL: Rohit Sharma moves past Martin Guptill, Virat Kohli to become highest run-getter in T20Is In reply, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka on the very first ball of the steep run-chase. Bhuvneshwar Kumar also removed Kamil Mishara for cheap whereas Dinesh Chandimal, Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne fell after getting a start each. Rohit once again rotated his bowlers with ease as Bhuvi, Venkestesh Iyer chipped in with two wickets each whereas Yuzi Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja maintained the pressure with one wicket apiece. Chahal also became the leading wicket-taker for the Men in Blue after dismissing Shanaka. Eventually, SL were restricted for 137 for 6 in their full quota of overs (courtesy of Charith Asalanka's gritty 53*) as they were never in the run-chase and struggled to stitch partnerships. The second and penultimate T20I will be held in Dharamshala on Saturday (February 26).

Rohit Sharma & Co. thrash Sri Lanka in 1st T20I as India attain longest unbeaten streak in shortest format

A lot has changed in Indian cricket following the 2021 T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli had already made it clear that he won't captain in the shortest format post the mega event and was succeeded by Rohit Sharma. Before the end of 2021, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI captain as Rohit was appointed as the white-ball skipper.

As Kohli stepped down as the Test captain in mid-January, Rohit has now taken over as the all-format captain. While KL Rahul has been confirmed as Rohit's deputy in the shorter formats, there is no clarity on who will take up the vice-captaincy slot in Tests. Ahead of the India-Sri Lanka home T20Is, captain Rohit addressed the media and mentioned three names who are being looked upon as the possible contenders for Team India captaincy after him.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-planning-to-field-two-teams-simultaneously-as-india-to-play-more-bilaterals-before-t20-wc-report-455613">BCCI planning to field two teams simultaneously as India to play more bilaterals before T20 WC: Report</a>

Speaking to the press on the eve of the series-opener against SL, on Wednesday (February 23), Rohit said, "If you talk about Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, these guys have a crucial role to play in the future for Indian cricket. They are also seen as possible contenders for leadership," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-hosts-look-to-continue-winning-run-in-t20is-eyes-on-youngsters-455608">India vs Sri Lanka: Hosts look to continue winning run in T20Is, eyes on youngsters</a>

While Rahul has already led India in one Test and three ODIs, during the South Africa tour, Bumrah acted Rahul's deputy back then and will again take the vice-captain's slot in the former's absence for the SL T20Is. On the other hand, Pant was serving as the vice-captain in the recently-concluded white-ball series versus West Indies at home.

A lot has changed in Indian cricket following the 2021 T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli had already made it clear that he won't captain in the shortest format post the mega event and was succeeded by Rohit Sharma.

A lot has changed in Indian cricket following the 2021 T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli had already made it clear that he won't captain in the shortest format post the mega event and was succeeded by Rohit Sharma. Before the end of 2021, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI captain as Rohit was appointed as the white-ball skipper. As Kohli stepped down as the Test captain in mid-January, Rohit has now taken over as the all-format captain. While KL Rahul has been confirmed as Rohit's deputy in the shorter formats, there is no clarity on who will take up the vice-captaincy slot in Tests. Ahead of the India-Sri Lanka home T20Is, captain Rohit addressed the media and mentioned three names who are being looked upon as the possible contenders for Team India captaincy after him. ALSO READ | BCCI planning to field two teams simultaneously as India to play more bilaterals before T20 WC: Report Speaking to the press on the eve of the series-opener against SL, on Wednesday (February 23), Rohit said, "If you talk about Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, these guys have a crucial role to play in the future for Indian cricket. They are also seen as possible contenders for leadership," he said. ALSO READ | India vs Sri Lanka: Hosts look to continue winning run in T20Is, eyes on youngsters While Rahul has already led India in one Test and three ODIs, during the South Africa tour, Bumrah acted Rahul's deputy back then and will again take the vice-captain's slot in the former's absence for the SL T20Is. On the other hand, Pant was serving as the vice-captain in the recently-concluded white-ball series versus West Indies at home.

Rohit Sharma names three possible contenders for Team India captaincy post

Rohit Sharma was appointed as India's permanent Test captain on Saturday (February 19). The Hitman will now be leading India across all formats of the game and his first major assignment in Tests will be the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka at home. The Chetan Sharma-led selection panel announced India's Test and T20I squads for the Sri Lanka series on Saturday.

Apart from naming Rohit as the new Test captain, the selection committee also made some notable exclusions from the squad with an eye on the future. Senior players like Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and Wriddhiman Saha were dropped from the side to make way for youngsters. In the absence of KL Rahul, who will miss the series due to an injury, pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been named India's vice-captain for both the T20I and Test series against Sri Lanka.

While speaking about the future captaincy prospects of the Indian cricket team, chief selector Sharma named three potential candidates who will be groomed for a leadership role&nbsp;under current skipper Rohit. Sharma said Rahul, Bumrah and wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant are among potential captaincy candidates for the Indian team going forward.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dravid-suggested-retirement-ganguly-assured-test-spot-wriddhiman-saha-makes-explosive-revelations-454719">Dravid suggested retirement, Ganguly assured Test spot:&nbsp;Saha makes explosive revelations</a>

“…and if such a big cricketer comes forward, if such an experienced player becomes a captain, then automatically, the things that we as a selection committee want, grooming captain under Rohit, will be a tremendous thing for us,” said the selection committee chairman Sharma while addressing a virtual press conference on Saturday.

“We made KL the captain in South Africa. Bumrah was the deputy in South Africa and again for the Sri Lanka series. In West Indies T20s, we had Rishabh as vice-captain. These are potential leaders to be groomed under Rohit. Yes, it is difficult to say who will be next captain but we are sure a name will emerge,” he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virender-sehwag-reacts-as-wriddhiman-saha-shares-screenshots-of-disturbing-messages-from-a-journalist-454752">Virender Sehwag reacts as Wriddhiman Saha shares screenshots of disturbing messages from a 'journalist'</a>

While Rahul served as stand-in captain for the Indian team in Rohit's absence during the ODI series against South Africa, Pant is the vice-captain of the team for the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies. Bumrah will act as Rohit's deputy in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

India will take on Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series starting from February 24 followed by two Tests. 
&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma was appointed as India's permanent Test captain on Saturday (February 19). The Hitman will now be leading India across all formats of the game and his first major assignment in Tests will be the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka at home.

Rohit Sharma was appointed as India's permanent Test captain on Saturday (February 19). The Hitman will now be leading India across all formats of the game and his first major assignment in Tests will be the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka at home. The Chetan Sharma-led selection panel announced India's Test and T20I squads for the Sri Lanka series on Saturday. Apart from naming Rohit as the new Test captain, the selection committee also made some notable exclusions from the squad with an eye on the future. Senior players like Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and Wriddhiman Saha were dropped from the side to make way for youngsters. In the absence of KL Rahul, who will miss the series due to an injury, pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been named India's vice-captain for both the T20I and Test series against Sri Lanka. While speaking about the future captaincy prospects of the Indian cricket team, chief selector Sharma named three potential candidates who will be groomed for a leadership role under current skipper Rohit. Sharma said Rahul, Bumrah and wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant are among potential captaincy candidates for the Indian team going forward. Also Read: Dravid suggested retirement, Ganguly assured Test spot: Saha makes explosive revelations “…and if such a big cricketer comes forward, if such an experienced player becomes a captain, then automatically, the things that we as a selection committee want, grooming captain under Rohit, will be a tremendous thing for us,” said the selection committee chairman Sharma while addressing a virtual press conference on Saturday. “We made KL the captain in South Africa. Bumrah was the deputy in South Africa and again for the Sri Lanka series. In West Indies T20s, we had Rishabh as vice-captain. These are potential leaders to be groomed under Rohit. Yes, it is difficult to say who will be next captain but we are sure a name will emerge,” he added. Also Read: Virender Sehwag reacts as Wriddhiman Saha shares screenshots of disturbing messages from a 'journalist' While Rahul served as stand-in captain for the Indian team in Rohit's absence during the ODI series against South Africa, Pant is the vice-captain of the team for the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies. Bumrah will act as Rohit's deputy in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. India will take on Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series starting from February 24 followed by two Tests.

Chetan Sharma names 3 potential captaincy candidates for India who will be groomed under Rohit Sharma

BCCI have announced an&nbsp;18-man squad for Team India's forthcoming three-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. The Chetan Sharma-led All India senior selection committee named the squad in a virtual press conference.

The likes of Virat Kohli and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant have been rested for the white-ball assignment versus the Islanders. Following the second and penultimate T20I versus West Indies, on Friday evening (February 18), reports came in that the duo were given a bio-bubble break and have left for their respective homes before the series finale versus the Men in Maroon. Thus, they will now also miss the SL T20Is.

On the other hand, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have returned to the T20I setup. Bumrah was rested for the WI limited-overs series whereas Jadeja was out of action due to injury. He had also missed the entire South Africa tour, due to a knee injury which he sustained during the New Zealand home series in late 2021. Bumrah will also be Rohit Sharma's deputy in the white-ball series as regular white-ball vice-captain KL Rahul is out with a hamstring injury (during the WI ODIs).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-named-test-captain-as-bcci-announces-squad-for-sri-lanka-series-pujara-rahane-dropped-454583">Rohit Sharma named Test captain as BCCI announces squad for Sri Lanka series; Pujara, Rahane dropped</a>

The rest of the squad majorly remains the same (compared to the WI series). Shardul Thakur's name is missing (reasons unknown) whereas Sanju Samson has also made a comeback.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The SL series will get underway on February 24 with the series opener to be played in Lucknow. The remainder of the T20Is will be held in Dharamshala before the two Tests follow suit. The red-ball series will be played from March 4-March 16.

India's squad for the Sri Lanka T20I series:

Rohit Sharma (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Bhuvneshwar, Chahar, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan

BCCI have announced an 18-man squad for Team India's forthcoming three-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. The Chetan Sharma-led All India senior selection committee named the squad in a virtual press conference.

BCCI have announced an 18-man squad for Team India's forthcoming three-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. The Chetan Sharma-led All India senior selection committee named the squad in a virtual press conference. The likes of Virat Kohli and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant have been rested for the white-ball assignment versus the Islanders. Following the second and penultimate T20I versus West Indies, on Friday evening (February 18), reports came in that the duo were given a bio-bubble break and have left for their respective homes before the series finale versus the Men in Maroon. Thus, they will now also miss the SL T20Is. On the other hand, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have returned to the T20I setup. Bumrah was rested for the WI limited-overs series whereas Jadeja was out of action due to injury. He had also missed the entire South Africa tour, due to a knee injury which he sustained during the New Zealand home series in late 2021. Bumrah will also be Rohit Sharma's deputy in the white-ball series as regular white-ball vice-captain KL Rahul is out with a hamstring injury (during the WI ODIs). ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma named Test captain as BCCI announces squad for Sri Lanka series; Pujara, Rahane dropped The rest of the squad majorly remains the same (compared to the WI series). Shardul Thakur's name is missing (reasons unknown) whereas Sanju Samson has also made a comeback. The SL series will get underway on February 24 with the series opener to be played in Lucknow. The remainder of the T20Is will be held in Dharamshala before the two Tests follow suit. The red-ball series will be played from March 4-March 16. India's squad for the Sri Lanka T20I series: Rohit Sharma (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Bhuvneshwar, Chahar, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan

BCCI announces India squad for SL T20Is: Kohli, Pant rested; Bumrah named Rohit's deputy, Jadeja returns

Mumbai Indians went all out to rope in England pacer Jofra Archer at the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. The five-time champions broke the bank for Archer as they spent a whopping Rs 8 crore (INR 80 million) to secure the services of the fast bowler, who is regarded as one of the best in the world at present.&nbsp;

Archer was among several fast bowlers who managed to earn staggering deals at the IPL 2022 mega auction. Mumbai Indians were involved in an intense bidding war with Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad before they managed to secure the services of the England star. Though he is set to miss the upcoming IPL 2022 due to his ongoing recovery from an elbow injury, Archer will turn up for Mumbai Indians from IPL 2023 next year.

The prospect of the England pacer bowling in tandem with Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah can be terrifying for the best of batters in the league. Archer and Bumrah are two of the best fast bowlers in the death overs and can also make the batsmen dance to their tunes with the new ball. As Archer gears up to play in the same team as Bumrah, an 8-year-old tweet by the England star on the Indian pacer has gone viral.

In 2014, during a league match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, Archer had tweeted about Bumrah and hinted that he apparently didn't like the Indian pacer bowl. "Hate to seem Bumrah bowl," Archer had written in a tweet that has resurfaced now after he joined Mumbai Indians at the IPL 2022 mega auction.

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Hate to seem bumrah bowl
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/468366179195944960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-lost-ms-dhonis-loyalty-simon-doull-explains-why-csk-didnt-pick-mr-ipl-at-mega-auction-453672">Raina lost&nbsp;Dhoni's loyalty: Simon Doull explains why CSK didn't pick 'Mr IPL' at mega auction</a>

Despite BCCI confirming that Archer will not be available for the entire IPL 2022 due to his recovery, several teams expressed interest in the England pacer. Mumbai Indians, who remained very watchful and quiet on the first day of the IPL 2022 mega auction, broke the bank for Archer and all-rounder Tim David on the second day.

While Archer was roped in by Mumbai Indians for Rs 8 crore (INR 80 million), David was bought for a sum of Rs 8.25 crore (INR 82.5 million). Mumbai Indians had earlier signed Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan for a whopping Rs 15.25 crore (INR 152.5 million) making him the costliest buy of the IPL 2022 mega auction.

Mumbai Indians went all out to rope in England pacer Jofra Archer at the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. The five-time champions broke the bank for Archer as they spent a whopping Rs 8 crore (INR 80 million) to secure the services of the fast bowler, who is regarded as one of the best in the world at present.

Mumbai Indians went all out to rope in England pacer Jofra Archer at the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. The five-time champions broke the bank for Archer as they spent a whopping Rs 8 crore (INR 80 million) to secure the services of the fast bowler, who is regarded as one of the best in the world at present. Archer was among several fast bowlers who managed to earn staggering deals at the IPL 2022 mega auction. Mumbai Indians were involved in an intense bidding war with Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad before they managed to secure the services of the England star. Though he is set to miss the upcoming IPL 2022 due to his ongoing recovery from an elbow injury, Archer will turn up for Mumbai Indians from IPL 2023 next year. The prospect of the England pacer bowling in tandem with Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah can be terrifying for the best of batters in the league. Archer and Bumrah are two of the best fast bowlers in the death overs and can also make the batsmen dance to their tunes with the new ball. As Archer gears up to play in the same team as Bumrah, an 8-year-old tweet by the England star on the Indian pacer has gone viral. In 2014, during a league match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, Archer had tweeted about Bumrah and hinted that he apparently didn't like the Indian pacer bowl. "Hate to seem Bumrah bowl," Archer had written in a tweet that has resurfaced now after he joined Mumbai Indians at the IPL 2022 mega auction. Hate to seem bumrah bowl — Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) May 19, 2014 × Also Read: Raina lost Dhoni's loyalty: Simon Doull explains why CSK didn't pick 'Mr IPL' at mega auction Despite BCCI confirming that Archer will not be available for the entire IPL 2022 due to his recovery, several teams expressed interest in the England pacer. Mumbai Indians, who remained very watchful and quiet on the first day of the IPL 2022 mega auction, broke the bank for Archer and all-rounder Tim David on the second day. While Archer was roped in by Mumbai Indians for Rs 8 crore (INR 80 million), David was bought for a sum of Rs 8.25 crore (INR 82.5 million). Mumbai Indians had earlier signed Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan for a whopping Rs 15.25 crore (INR 152.5 million) making him the costliest buy of the IPL 2022 mega auction.

Jofra Archer's 8-year-old tweet on Jasprit Bumrah goes viral as England pacer joins Mumbai Indians

On Day 2 of the IPL 2022 mega auction, Jofra Archer went to the five-time winners Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday evening (February 13). With the MI team management not bidding for a lot of players from resigning Ishan Kishan for a whopping price, at INR 157.5 million on Saturday (February 12), many eyebrows were raised.

While the MI fans were surprised with the team's strategy, the former champions went for England pacer Archer, who had represented Rajasthan Royals (RR) since his debut season in 2018. For the unversed, Archer is highly unlikely to&nbsp;be available for the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition, in India, however, the MI Paltan have invested in him keeping the future seasons in mind.&nbsp;

With Archer's name attracting several players, despite injury concerns, franchises such as RR and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also joined the bidding war before Rohit &amp; Co. had the last laugh by signing the wily pacer for INR 80 million (INR 8 crore). The bidding war even surprised Archer:

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👀
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/1492812518737203201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Post the signing, Archer shared a video thanking the MI team management for investing in him as he cannot wait to represent the Men in Blue. Here's the clip:

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JofraArcher</a>'s first words as a मुंबईकर 💙 
 
Listen up, Paltan! 🔊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AalaRe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AalaRe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction</a> <a href="https://t.co/9wY1XVyAYI">pic.twitter.com/9wY1XVyAYI</a>
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/1492838280479395842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-mega-auction-faf-du-plessis-emotional-message-for-dhonis-csk-after-joining-rcb-watch-452969">IPL 2022 mega auction: Faf du Plessis' emotional message for Dhoni's CSK after joining RCB - WATCH</a>

With Archer joining the Jasprit Bumrah-led MI pace attack, Twitterati cannot keep calm. Archer and Bumrah are known to be a lethal force in white-ball formats due to their raw pace, bounce and death-over bowling skills. Here are some of the reactions after Archer joined Bumrah in MI:

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Bumrah and Archer together... 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 
nothing is more dangerous than this.... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLMegaAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLMegaAuction</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yi7dTckCf2">pic.twitter.com/Yi7dTckCf2</a>
— Andolanjivi faijal khan (@faijalkhantroll) <a href="https://twitter.com/faijalkhantroll/status/1492812403347628038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Now we know what Mumbai Indians were upto. Not this season, but if fit and available - Archer will pair up with Bumrah to fire thunderbolts together … Very very interesting strategy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction</a>
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) <a href="https://twitter.com/jatinsapru/status/1492812620591603712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Cricket World ain't ready for Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer combo. <a href="https://t.co/SxXX1jpd8O">pic.twitter.com/SxXX1jpd8O</a>
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoyalSachinFan/status/1492811823208296448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Jofra Archer to Mumbai Indians. Bumrah-Archer! Wrap up this tournament already.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1492811804329738241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah in Mumbai Indians. Who says No?😌<a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JofraArcher</a> <a href="https://t.co/wcVhWYRgKN">pic.twitter.com/wcVhWYRgKN</a>
— Aayusha _45 (@Aushaa_Rohitian) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aushaa_Rohitian/status/1492533499945156608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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So the Archer mystery is resolved. That is what <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a> were saving up for. Bumrah and Archer in 2023!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1492811696926507015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Bumrah - boult 💔 
Now 
Bumrah - archer <a href="https://t.co/l4UsfDcPlJ">pic.twitter.com/l4UsfDcPlJ</a>
— Shreyas_s_p (@Shreyassp11) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shreyassp11/status/1492816629658390529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-spoke-to-ms-dhoni-about-retention-always-knew-csk-would-get-me-back-deepak-chahar-452977">Never spoke to MS Dhoni about retention, always knew CSK would get me back: Deepak Chahar</a>

Given that MI didn't retain Trent Boult and couldn't even resign him in the mega auction, as he went to RR, the franchise have managed to settle scores with the one-time winners Rajasthan by taking away Archer from Sanju Samson &amp; Co.

On Day 2 of the IPL 2022 mega auction, Jofra Archer went to the five-time winners Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday evening (February 13). With the MI team management not bidding for a lot of players from resigning Ishan Kishan for a whopping price, at INR 157.

On Day 2 of the IPL 2022 mega auction, Jofra Archer went to the five-time winners Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday evening (February 13). With the MI team management not bidding for a lot of players from resigning Ishan Kishan for a whopping price, at INR 157.5 million on Saturday (February 12), many eyebrows were raised. While the MI fans were surprised with the team's strategy, the former champions went for England pacer Archer, who had represented Rajasthan Royals (RR) since his debut season in 2018. For the unversed, Archer is highly unlikely to be available for the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition, in India, however, the MI Paltan have invested in him keeping the future seasons in mind. With Archer's name attracting several players, despite injury concerns, franchises such as RR and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also joined the bidding war before Rohit & Co. had the last laugh by signing the wily pacer for INR 80 million (INR 8 crore). The bidding war even surprised Archer: 👀 — Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) February 13, 2022 × Post the signing, Archer shared a video thanking the MI team management for investing in him as he cannot wait to represent the Men in Blue. Here's the clip: .@JofraArcher's first words as a मुंबईकर 💙 Listen up, Paltan! 🔊#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #AalaRe #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/9wY1XVyAYI — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 13, 2022 × ALSO READ | IPL 2022 mega auction: Faf du Plessis' emotional message for Dhoni's CSK after joining RCB - WATCH With Archer joining the Jasprit Bumrah-led MI pace attack, Twitterati cannot keep calm. Archer and Bumrah are known to be a lethal force in white-ball formats due to their raw pace, bounce and death-over bowling skills. Here are some of the reactions after Archer joined Bumrah in MI: Bumrah and Archer together... 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 nothing is more dangerous than this.... #IPLMegaAuction pic.twitter.com/Yi7dTckCf2 — Andolanjivi faijal khan (@faijalkhantroll) February 13, 2022 × Now we know what Mumbai Indians were upto. Not this season, but if fit and available - Archer will pair up with Bumrah to fire thunderbolts together … Very very interesting strategy #IPLAuction — Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) February 13, 2022 × Cricket World ain't ready for Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer combo. pic.twitter.com/SxXX1jpd8O — R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 13, 2022 × Jofra Archer to Mumbai Indians. Bumrah-Archer! Wrap up this tournament already. — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) February 13, 2022 × Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah in Mumbai Indians. Who says No?😌@JofraArcher pic.twitter.com/wcVhWYRgKN — Aayusha _45 (@Aushaa_Rohitian) February 12, 2022 × So the Archer mystery is resolved. That is what @mipaltan were saving up for. Bumrah and Archer in 2023! — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 13, 2022 × Bumrah - boult 💔 Now Bumrah - archer pic.twitter.com/l4UsfDcPlJ — Shreyas_s_p (@Shreyassp11) February 13, 2022 × ALSO READ | Never spoke to MS Dhoni about retention, always knew CSK would get me back: Deepak Chahar Given that MI didn't retain Trent Boult and couldn't even resign him in the mega auction, as he went to RR, the franchise have managed to settle scores with the one-time winners Rajasthan by taking away Archer from Sanju Samson & Co.

Nothing more dangerous: Twitter explodes as MI include Jofra Archer in Jasprit Bumrah-starrer pace attack

Fast bowlers had a field day at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12) as teams spent big on pacers. Several Indian and overseas pacers earned big pay cheques at the mega auction as the franchise looked keen on roping in quality fast bowlers ahead of the new season.

While Deepak Chahar turned out to be the most expensive bowler on day 1 of the mega auction after being roped in by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a whopping Rs 14 crore (INR 140 million), the likes of Lockie Ferguson and Prasidh Krishna went for a sum of Rs 10 crore each.

Indian pacer Shardul Thakur was also among one of the most expensive buys at the IPL 2022 mega auction as he was roped in by Delhi Capitals for a sum of whopping Rs 10.75 crore (INR 107.5 million). Harshal Patel headed back to Royal Challengers Bangalore for a staggering Rs 10.75 crore (INR 107.5 million).

As pacers saw their fortunes rise at the mega auction, Bumrah shared a cryptic tweet seemingly depicting his reaction. The Indian pacer shared two emojis in a tweet which soon went viral on social media.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/complete-list-of-players-sold-on-day-1-of-ipl-2022-mega-auction-kishan-chahar-emerge-as-costliest-buys-452791">Complete list of players sold on Day 1 of IPL 2022 mega auction: Kishan, Chahar emerge as costliest buys</a>

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&nbsp;
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93/status/1492473773802483715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-worry-i-am-inside-the-crease-jos-buttler-reacts-as-rr-sign-r-ashwin-at-ipl-2022-mega-auction-452849">'Don't worry, I am inside the crease': Jos Buttler reacts as RR sign R Ashwin at IPL 2022 mega auction</a>

Bumrah is not part of the ongoing IPL&nbsp; 2022 mega auction as he was retained by his franchise Mumbai Indians. The five-time champions retained Bumrah as their second-choice player after captain Rohit Sharma for a sum of Rs 12 crore (INR 120 million).

Talking about Mumbai Indians' strategy at the IPL mega auction this time around, the five-time champions had a quiet day on Saturday as they made calculated moves. MI went all out and managed to buy back star wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan for a whopping Rs 15.25 crore (INR 152.5 million). MI also bought Josh Hazlewood, Dewald Brevis and Basil Thami at the mega auction.

&nbsp;

Fast bowlers had a field day at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12) as teams spent big on pacers. Several Indian and overseas pacers earned big pay cheques at the mega auction as the franchise looked keen on roping in quality fast bowlers ahead of the new season.

Fast bowlers had a field day at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction on Saturday (February 12) as teams spent big on pacers. Several Indian and overseas pacers earned big pay cheques at the mega auction as the franchise looked keen on roping in quality fast bowlers ahead of the new season. While Deepak Chahar turned out to be the most expensive bowler on day 1 of the mega auction after being roped in by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a whopping Rs 14 crore (INR 140 million), the likes of Lockie Ferguson and Prasidh Krishna went for a sum of Rs 10 crore each. Indian pacer Shardul Thakur was also among one of the most expensive buys at the IPL 2022 mega auction as he was roped in by Delhi Capitals for a sum of whopping Rs 10.75 crore (INR 107.5 million). Harshal Patel headed back to Royal Challengers Bangalore for a staggering Rs 10.75 crore (INR 107.5 million). As pacers saw their fortunes rise at the mega auction, Bumrah shared a cryptic tweet seemingly depicting his reaction. The Indian pacer shared two emojis in a tweet which soon went viral on social media. Also Read: Complete list of players sold on Day 1 of IPL 2022 mega auction: Kishan, Chahar emerge as costliest buys — Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) February 12, 2022 × Also Read: 'Don't worry, I am inside the crease': Jos Buttler reacts as RR sign R Ashwin at IPL 2022 mega auction Bumrah is not part of the ongoing IPL 2022 mega auction as he was retained by his franchise Mumbai Indians. The five-time champions retained Bumrah as their second-choice player after captain Rohit Sharma for a sum of Rs 12 crore (INR 120 million). Talking about Mumbai Indians' strategy at the IPL mega auction this time around, the five-time champions had a quiet day on Saturday as they made calculated moves. MI went all out and managed to buy back star wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan for a whopping Rs 15.25 crore (INR 152.5 million). MI also bought Josh Hazlewood, Dewald Brevis and Basil Thami at the mega auction.

Jasprit Bumrah's cryptic tweet goes viral after fast bowlers earn big at IPL 2022 mega auction

MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli: A look at first IPL salaries of superstar cricketers

Team India have often struggled to get rid of the opposition's tail and also not&nbsp;managed contributions from the lower-order at regular intervals, especially while playing away Tests. However, things have changed for the good in the past year with the lower-order often bailing the team out of crisis and adding valuable runs to the scoreboard.&nbsp;

During India's 2021 five-match Test series versus England, in the United Kingdom, the then Virat Kohli-led side played a riveting second Test versus Joe Root-led England at Lord's. During the fifth day, the play started with India 181-6, leading the hosts by 154 runs. The overnight batters -- Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma -- returned back to the pavillion in a jiffy as it seemed like India will manage to set up a target close to 200, or slightly above it.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami joined together in the middle, with India reeling at 209-8, and stitched an unbeaten 89-run ninth-wicket stand, withstanding the short-ball ploy from the English seamers to take the team total to 298-8 (declare). While Bumrah remained unbeaten on 34, Shami registered a memorable fifty (second in whites) to remain 56 not out. Setting up a competitive 272-run target, India beat England by 151 runs after dismissing them for a paltry 124 in the final session of the match.

Recently, during an interview with India.com, Shami reflected back on his vital knock in the Lord's Test and slammed his critics saying that he is scared of short-pitched deliveries. "Let me tell you something. I was never scared of the short ball as many people thought it to be. I have always enjoyed my batting and I do try to contribute as much as possible with the bat and help the team. If I was scared of the short ball, I wouldn’t have scored that half-century at Lord’s. So I don’t think much about it,” the 31-year-old concluded.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/theres-not-an-iota-of-md-shami-mentions-indias-ex-head-coach-ravi-shastris-stand-out-quality-450200">'There's not an iota of....': Md Shami mentions India's ex-head coach Ravi Shastri's stand-out quality</a>

Shami, who has an ODI World Cup hat-trick up his sleeves and remains a regular in India's Test line-up, has been rested for the India-West Indies white-ball series at home, which gets underway on February 6.

The experienced pacer had a good run in the India-South Africa Tests, early this year, returning with 14 wickets (most among Indians). He wasn't part of the three ODIs, which KL Rahul &amp; Co. lost 3-0.

Team India have often struggled to get rid of the opposition's tail and also not managed contributions from the lower-order at regular intervals, especially while playing away Tests.

Team India have often struggled to get rid of the opposition's tail and also not managed contributions from the lower-order at regular intervals, especially while playing away Tests. However, things have changed for the good in the past year with the lower-order often bailing the team out of crisis and adding valuable runs to the scoreboard. During India's 2021 five-match Test series versus England, in the United Kingdom, the then Virat Kohli-led side played a riveting second Test versus Joe Root-led England at Lord's. During the fifth day, the play started with India 181-6, leading the hosts by 154 runs. The overnight batters -- Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma -- returned back to the pavillion in a jiffy as it seemed like India will manage to set up a target close to 200, or slightly above it. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami joined together in the middle, with India reeling at 209-8, and stitched an unbeaten 89-run ninth-wicket stand, withstanding the short-ball ploy from the English seamers to take the team total to 298-8 (declare). While Bumrah remained unbeaten on 34, Shami registered a memorable fifty (second in whites) to remain 56 not out. Setting up a competitive 272-run target, India beat England by 151 runs after dismissing them for a paltry 124 in the final session of the match. Recently, during an interview with India.com, Shami reflected back on his vital knock in the Lord's Test and slammed his critics saying that he is scared of short-pitched deliveries. "Let me tell you something. I was never scared of the short ball as many people thought it to be. I have always enjoyed my batting and I do try to contribute as much as possible with the bat and help the team. If I was scared of the short ball, I wouldn’t have scored that half-century at Lord’s. So I don’t think much about it,” the 31-year-old concluded. ALSO READ | 'There's not an iota of....': Md Shami mentions India's ex-head coach Ravi Shastri's stand-out quality Shami, who has an ODI World Cup hat-trick up his sleeves and remains a regular in India's Test line-up, has been rested for the India-West Indies white-ball series at home, which gets underway on February 6. The experienced pacer had a good run in the India-South Africa Tests, early this year, returning with 14 wickets (most among Indians). He wasn't part of the three ODIs, which KL Rahul & Co. lost 3-0.

If I was scared of short balls, I wouldn’t have scored fifty in Lord's Test vs England: Md Shami slams critics

The search for India's next Test captain is likely to end as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad for the upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka soon. While Rohit Sharma is the favourite to lead the red-ball team after being appointed as the limited-overs captain, there are a number of other names in the fray as well.

Virat Kohli stepped down as the Test captain of the Indian team earlier this month after India's 2-1 loss in the Test series against South Africa. Kohli signed off as India's most successful Test captain of all time with 40 wins from 68 matches and his legacy is going to be difficult to match for any Indian Test captain in the future.

Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun was recently asked if fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is a regular member of the Indian across formats, can take over as the next Test captain of the team. Arun believes a batter will be better suited for the captaincy role, considering he can play more matches without being rested.

Arun believes Bumrah is one of the best fast bowlers in the world at present and his workload needs to be managed well in order to ensure he can regularly contribute to the team's success. Bumrah needs frequent breaks between series which is a major reason why Arun believes he should not be appointed as the next captain.

“I would prefer a batsman because he can play in all three formats without being rested as much. Jasprit Bumrah is someone who has the mind to do it but then again, giving the captaincy to Bumrah … would be able to sustain all three formats all the time? That is the big question," Arun told News9.

“Bumrah is the one bowler we have to really take care of. He needs to be given sufficient breaks between matches and series for him to stay fresh. So taking all this into account, I’m not too sure he can be the captain." he added.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-pacer-mohammed-shami-names-2-teammates-who-can-replace-virat-kohli-as-next-test-captain-448679">&nbsp;Indian pacer Mohammed Shami names 2 teammates who can replace Virat Kohli as next Test captain</a>

Bumrah has so far played only 27 Test matches in his career and has 113 wickets to his name, including seven five-wicket hauls. India's next Test assignment will be against Sri Lanka at home. The visitors will play two Tests and three T20Is against the hosts. 
&nbsp;

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The search for India's next Test captain is likely to end as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad for the upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka soon.

The search for India's next Test captain is likely to end as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad for the upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka soon. While Rohit Sharma is the favourite to lead the red-ball team after being appointed as the limited-overs captain, there are a number of other names in the fray as well. Virat Kohli stepped down as the Test captain of the Indian team earlier this month after India's 2-1 loss in the Test series against South Africa. Kohli signed off as India's most successful Test captain of all time with 40 wins from 68 matches and his legacy is going to be difficult to match for any Indian Test captain in the future. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun was recently asked if fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is a regular member of the Indian across formats, can take over as the next Test captain of the team. Arun believes a batter will be better suited for the captaincy role, considering he can play more matches without being rested. Arun believes Bumrah is one of the best fast bowlers in the world at present and his workload needs to be managed well in order to ensure he can regularly contribute to the team's success. Bumrah needs frequent breaks between series which is a major reason why Arun believes he should not be appointed as the next captain. “I would prefer a batsman because he can play in all three formats without being rested as much. Jasprit Bumrah is someone who has the mind to do it but then again, giving the captaincy to Bumrah … would be able to sustain all three formats all the time? That is the big question," Arun told News9. “Bumrah is the one bowler we have to really take care of. He needs to be given sufficient breaks between matches and series for him to stay fresh. So taking all this into account, I’m not too sure he can be the captain." he added. Also Read: Indian pacer Mohammed Shami names 2 teammates who can replace Virat Kohli as next Test captain Bumrah has so far played only 27 Test matches in his career and has 113 wickets to his name, including seven five-wicket hauls. India's next Test assignment will be against Sri Lanka at home. The visitors will play two Tests and three T20Is against the hosts.

'I am not too sure': Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun on Jasprit Bumrah becoming next Test captain

The senior Indian men's cricket team is going through a transition period of late. While Virat Kohli was succeeded by Rohit Sharma as India's white-ball captain, the 33-year-old Kohli resigned as the Test captain as well on January 15, a day after the national side went down to South Africa in the three Tests in the rainbow nation.

After Kohli's resignation, all eyes are now on who will succeed him as the Test captain. Under Kohli, India had a great run in the red-ball format. The national team dominated in whites at home, won a Test series in Australia, ensured an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the United Kingdom during the incomplete five Tests in mid-2021 and ended as runners-up in the inaugural WTC final.

Hence, Kohli's successor will have a huge task to take the team forward. At present, there are five contenders to succeed Kohli, in the form of Rohit, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant along with R Ashwin's name also doing the rounds in some discussions.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-rishabh-pant-top-5-contenders-who-can-succeed-virat-kohli-as-indias-test-captain-448152">From Rohit Sharma to Rishabh Pant: Top 5 contenders who can succeed Virat Kohli as India's Test captain</a>

Speaking on Ex-Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar's Youtube channel, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri also joined the bandwagon. While he had earlier stated that Rohit can take over in whites, Shastri pointed out why he doesn't think Bumrah will get the nod. He&nbsp;said, "No, I never thought of it. In India we've had enough. And I never thought in that fashion at that time. In India it's going to be difficult for a fast bowler to captain. A fast bowler captain has to be an all-rounder basically or he has to be a Bob Willis kind of captain who in conditions where they play, a fast bowler will always be in the game, he will be aggressive."

"He'll be looking to win games and take wickets. Very rarely has a fast bowler been there for too long. Unless he is a genuine all-rounder like Kapil, Imran or Sir Garfield," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-cant-harbhajan-names-virat-kohlis-successor-as-test-captain-if-rohit-sharma-declines-offer-448070">'Why can't...' - Harbhajan names Virat Kohli's successor as Test captain if Rohit Sharma declines offer</a>

Speaking to&nbsp;Sports Tak,&nbsp;recently Harbhajan Singh had backed Bumrah to take the top job and said,&nbsp;"According to me, Rohit Sharma should be the captain of all three formats. If he is totally fit then he should captain all three formats. If Rohit feels that he doesn't want to captain all three formats. Then in Test cricket, I am on Jasprit Bumrah's side. He should be given the captaincy because a fast bowler is always thought that they think too big."

It will be interesting to see who succeeds Kohli. India's next red-ball assignment is at home, versus Sri Lanka starting in end February.&nbsp;

The senior Indian men's cricket team is going through a transition period of late. While Virat Kohli was succeeded by Rohit Sharma as India's white-ball captain, the 33-year-old Kohli resigned as the Test captain as well on January 15, a day after the national side went down to South Africa in the three Tests in the rainbow nation.

The senior Indian men's cricket team is going through a transition period of late. While Virat Kohli was succeeded by Rohit Sharma as India's white-ball captain, the 33-year-old Kohli resigned as the Test captain as well on January 15, a day after the national side went down to South Africa in the three Tests in the rainbow nation. After Kohli's resignation, all eyes are now on who will succeed him as the Test captain. Under Kohli, India had a great run in the red-ball format. The national team dominated in whites at home, won a Test series in Australia, ensured an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the United Kingdom during the incomplete five Tests in mid-2021 and ended as runners-up in the inaugural WTC final. Hence, Kohli's successor will have a huge task to take the team forward. At present, there are five contenders to succeed Kohli, in the form of Rohit, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant along with R Ashwin's name also doing the rounds in some discussions. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Rishabh Pant: Top 5 contenders who can succeed Virat Kohli as India's Test captain Speaking on Ex-Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar's Youtube channel, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri also joined the bandwagon. While he had earlier stated that Rohit can take over in whites, Shastri pointed out why he doesn't think Bumrah will get the nod. He said, "No, I never thought of it. In India we've had enough. And I never thought in that fashion at that time. In India it's going to be difficult for a fast bowler to captain. A fast bowler captain has to be an all-rounder basically or he has to be a Bob Willis kind of captain who in conditions where they play, a fast bowler will always be in the game, he will be aggressive." "He'll be looking to win games and take wickets. Very rarely has a fast bowler been there for too long. Unless he is a genuine all-rounder like Kapil, Imran or Sir Garfield," he added. ALSO READ | 'Why can't...' - Harbhajan names Virat Kohli's successor as Test captain if Rohit Sharma declines offer Speaking to Sports Tak, recently Harbhajan Singh had backed Bumrah to take the top job and said, "According to me, Rohit Sharma should be the captain of all three formats. If he is totally fit then he should captain all three formats. If Rohit feels that he doesn't want to captain all three formats. Then in Test cricket, I am on Jasprit Bumrah's side. He should be given the captaincy because a fast bowler is always thought that they think too big." It will be interesting to see who succeeds Kohli. India's next red-ball assignment is at home, versus Sri Lanka starting in end February.

Should Jasprit Bumrah succeed Virat Kohli as India's Test captain? Ex-head coach Ravi Shastri answers

From Rohit Sharma to Rishabh Pant: Top 5 contenders who can succeed Virat Kohli as India's Test captain

Virat Kohli, on January 15, announced that he is stepping down as Team India's Test captain. This came as a huge shocker for the entire cricketing fraternity. The decision was announced only a day after India lost the three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the rainbow nation.

While Kohli had already resigned as the T20I captain and was sacked from the top post in ODIs, the 33-year-old was expected to carry on as the Test skipper for few more years. Under him, India dominated at home, won their maiden Test series on Australian soil, earned an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom last year and also played the inaugural WTC final.&nbsp;

Thus, all eyes are now on the national selectors as they have a huge task to name Kohli's successor in whites. While Rohit Sharma is leading the race, already being in charge of the limited-overs side, his fitness remains a concern. Other candidates are KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant. Recently, star pacer Mohammed Shami also opined on the captaincy debate and said 'who doesn't want to captain India'.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-cant-harbhajan-names-virat-kohlis-successor-as-test-captain-if-rohit-sharma-declines-offer-448070">'Why can't...' - Harbhajan names Virat Kohli's successor as Test captain if Rohit Sharma declines offer</a>

Speaking to&nbsp;India.com&nbsp;on captaincy, Shami said: "I am not thinking too much about captaincy at the moment. I am ready for whatever responsibility is given to me. To be honest, who doesn’t want to captain the India team but it is not the only thing and I am looking to contribute in whichever manner possible for the team.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shastri-opines-on-kohli-rohit-and-dhonis-personalities-reveals-whose-phone-number-he-doesnt-have-448040">Shastri opines on Kohli, Rohit and Dhoni's personalities, reveals whose phone number he doesn't have</a>

It will be interesting to see if Shami is considered for the top job. Anil Kumble remains the last Indian player to have captained the national side in any format. Kumble led India in Tests for around a year before being succeeded by MS Dhoni. Since then, bowlers have not been preferred to take up the captaincy role.

Will the same happen this time around? Only time will tell...

Virat Kohli, on January 15, announced that he is stepping down as Team India's Test captain. This came as a huge shocker for the entire cricketing fraternity. The decision was announced only a day after India lost the three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the rainbow nation.

Virat Kohli, on January 15, announced that he is stepping down as Team India's Test captain. This came as a huge shocker for the entire cricketing fraternity. The decision was announced only a day after India lost the three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the rainbow nation. While Kohli had already resigned as the T20I captain and was sacked from the top post in ODIs, the 33-year-old was expected to carry on as the Test skipper for few more years. Under him, India dominated at home, won their maiden Test series on Australian soil, earned an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom last year and also played the inaugural WTC final. Thus, all eyes are now on the national selectors as they have a huge task to name Kohli's successor in whites. While Rohit Sharma is leading the race, already being in charge of the limited-overs side, his fitness remains a concern. Other candidates are KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant. Recently, star pacer Mohammed Shami also opined on the captaincy debate and said 'who doesn't want to captain India'. ALSO READ | 'Why can't...' - Harbhajan names Virat Kohli's successor as Test captain if Rohit Sharma declines offer Speaking to India.com on captaincy, Shami said: "I am not thinking too much about captaincy at the moment. I am ready for whatever responsibility is given to me. To be honest, who doesn’t want to captain the India team but it is not the only thing and I am looking to contribute in whichever manner possible for the team.” ALSO READ | Shastri opines on Kohli, Rohit and Dhoni's personalities, reveals whose phone number he doesn't have It will be interesting to see if Shami is considered for the top job. Anil Kumble remains the last Indian player to have captained the national side in any format. Kumble led India in Tests for around a year before being succeeded by MS Dhoni. Since then, bowlers have not been preferred to take up the captaincy role. Will the same happen this time around? Only time will tell...

Who doesn't want to captain Team India, says star India player as Test captaincy spot up for grabs

Indian senior men's cricket team is going through a transition phase. While Virat Kohli gave up T20I captaincy after the World Cup, something which he had already revealed prior to the showpiece event, he was sacked as the ODI skipper; making Rohit Sharma the limited-overs captain altogether.

Kohli was expected to remain the Test captain for quite some time, however, the 33-year-old resigned from the top post in red-ball cricket as well, following India's 2-1 series loss to South Africa in the African nation. Thus, Kohli's decision surprised one and all and left the entire cricketing fraternity shocked. Under him, India achieved sizeable success at home and overseas. Hence, his successor will have to strive hard to match his overall success.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shastri-opines-on-kohli-rohit-and-dhonis-personalities-reveals-whose-phone-number-he-doesnt-have-448040">Shastri opines on Kohli, Rohit and Dhoni's personalities, reveals whose phone number he doesn't have</a>

Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh opened up on who should succeed Kohli as the Test captain. Citing Kapil Dev's example, Bhajji mentioned Jasprit Bumrah's name if Rohit doesn't agree to captain in all formats. Speaking to&nbsp;Sports Tak, Bhajji said,&nbsp;"According to me, Rohit Sharma should be the captain of all three formats. If he is totally fit then he should captain all three formats. If Rohit feels that he doesn't want to captain all three formats. Then in Test cricket, I am on Jasprit Bumrah's side. He should be given the captaincy because a fast bowler is always thought that they think too big."

"Kapil Dev was also a bowler. Why can't a bowler be captain? I want to know this. Among match-winners in Team India, Jasprit Bumrah is better than them. How many matches Jasprit Bumrah has won us, probably only one bowler has done that. So Jasprit Bumrah for Test cricket captaincy if Rohit Sharma is not available," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-rohit-led-india-squad-for-wi-series-jasprit-bumrah-md-shami-rested-jadeja-misses-out-447930">BCCI announces Rohit-led India squad for WI series; Jasprit Bumrah, Md Shami rested, Jadeja misses out</a>

The national selectors will have few more discussions before naming the next Test captain for Team India. As of now, there are some contenders in the form of Rohit, Bumrah, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and R Ashwin. India's next Test series is against Sri Lanka, in end of February.&nbsp;

Indian senior men's cricket team is going through a transition phase. While Virat Kohli gave up T20I captaincy after the World Cup, something which he had already revealed prior to the showpiece event, he was sacked as the ODI skipper; making Rohit Sharma the limited-overs captain altogether.

Indian senior men's cricket team is going through a transition phase. While Virat Kohli gave up T20I captaincy after the World Cup, something which he had already revealed prior to the showpiece event, he was sacked as the ODI skipper; making Rohit Sharma the limited-overs captain altogether. Kohli was expected to remain the Test captain for quite some time, however, the 33-year-old resigned from the top post in red-ball cricket as well, following India's 2-1 series loss to South Africa in the African nation. Thus, Kohli's decision surprised one and all and left the entire cricketing fraternity shocked. Under him, India achieved sizeable success at home and overseas. Hence, his successor will have to strive hard to match his overall success. ALSO READ | Shastri opines on Kohli, Rohit and Dhoni's personalities, reveals whose phone number he doesn't have Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh opened up on who should succeed Kohli as the Test captain. Citing Kapil Dev's example, Bhajji mentioned Jasprit Bumrah's name if Rohit doesn't agree to captain in all formats. Speaking to Sports Tak, Bhajji said, "According to me, Rohit Sharma should be the captain of all three formats. If he is totally fit then he should captain all three formats. If Rohit feels that he doesn't want to captain all three formats. Then in Test cricket, I am on Jasprit Bumrah's side. He should be given the captaincy because a fast bowler is always thought that they think too big." "Kapil Dev was also a bowler. Why can't a bowler be captain? I want to know this. Among match-winners in Team India, Jasprit Bumrah is better than them. How many matches Jasprit Bumrah has won us, probably only one bowler has done that. So Jasprit Bumrah for Test cricket captaincy if Rohit Sharma is not available," he added. ALSO READ | BCCI announces Rohit-led India squad for WI series; Jasprit Bumrah, Md Shami rested, Jadeja misses out The national selectors will have few more discussions before naming the next Test captain for Team India. As of now, there are some contenders in the form of Rohit, Bumrah, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and R Ashwin. India's next Test series is against Sri Lanka, in end of February.

'Why can't...' - Harbhajan names Virat Kohli's successor as Test captain if Rohit Sharma declines offer

The BCCI announced 18-member ODI and T20I squads for Team India's white-ball series versus Kieron Pollard-led West Indies on Wednesday (January 26). As it was reported earlier that Rohit Sharma had passed the fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Bengaluru, Hitman has returned to the squad after missing the entire South Africa tour. Rohit was appointed as the white-ball captain in early December 2021, however, he missed leading the side in the three ODIs in South Africa due to hamstring injury. Nonetheless, he has returned as Rohit will gear up to play his first ODI series since early 2021.

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, however, remained unfit and couldn't return&nbsp;to the line-up, failing to recovering from his knee injury.&nbsp;Selectors didn't include Hardik Panya as well, in any of the squads, as they aren't fully confident of his ability to deliver as an all-rounder due to fitness concerns. R Ashwin, meanwhile, is not in any squads&nbsp;for being unavailable for selection and the offie is undergoing treatment. Bhuvneshwar Kumar held onto his T20I spot&nbsp;but isn't in the scheme of things for ODIs.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-is-one-of-the-sharpest-cricket-minds-greg-chappell-heaps-praise-on-former-indian-captain-447839">MS Dhoni is one of the sharpest cricket minds: Greg Chappell heaps praise on former Indian captain</a>

In addition, there are some big updates with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami being rested. Limited-overs vice-captain KL Rahul will be available from the second ODI onwards whereas spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel will feature only in the T20Is.

&nbsp;

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Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami have been rested from the series. 
KL Rahul will be available from 2nd ODI onwards. 
R Jadeja is undergoing his final stage of recovery post his knee injury and will not be available for the ODIs and T20Is. 
Axar Patel will be available for the T20Is.
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1486385548063555584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The biggest talking point is the addition of some domestic and IPL star players such as Deepak Hooda and Ravi Bishnoi. Hooda, Harshal Patel are&nbsp;named in the ODI and T20I squad, respectively,&nbsp;whereas Bishnoi is part of both ODIs and T20Is. Kuldeep Yadav also makes a return to the ODI setup. Pacers Md Siraj and&nbsp;Avesh Khan&nbsp;have been backed for both the white-balls series whereas Prasidh Krishna is part of the 50-over squad.&nbsp;Nonetheless, there was no room for Himachal's star Rishi Dhawan, who has had a stellar run in the domestic circuit of late.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/good-news-for-team-india-fans-rohit-sharma-clears-fitness-test-ahead-of-west-indies-series-report-447797">Good news for Team India fans! Rohit Sharma clears fitness test ahead of West Indies series: Report</a>

India will lock horns with West Indies in three ODIs and equal number of T20Is in early February,&nbsp;starting on the 6th. The ODIs will be held in Ahmedabad and the T20Is will take place in Kolkata. The BCCI had recently revised the schedule, to not have the ODIs clash with the IPL 2022 mega auction, and also narrowed down the total venues from six to two cities due to Covid-19 crisis.

Squad for WI series:

ODI squad:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (Capt), KL Rahul (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), D Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Y Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan

T20I squad: Rohit Sharma(Capt),KL Rahul (vc),Ishan Kishan,Virat Kohli,Shreyas Iyer,Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk),Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Mohd. Siraj, Bhuvneshwar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel

The BCCI announced 18-member ODI and T20I squads for Team India's white-ball series versus Kieron Pollard-led West Indies on Wednesday (January 26). As it was reported earlier that Rohit Sharma had passed the fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Bengaluru, Hitman has returned to the squad after missing the entire South Africa tour.

The BCCI announced 18-member ODI and T20I squads for Team India's white-ball series versus Kieron Pollard-led West Indies on Wednesday (January 26). As it was reported earlier that Rohit Sharma had passed the fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Bengaluru, Hitman has returned to the squad after missing the entire South Africa tour. Rohit was appointed as the white-ball captain in early December 2021, however, he missed leading the side in the three ODIs in South Africa due to hamstring injury. Nonetheless, he has returned as Rohit will gear up to play his first ODI series since early 2021. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, however, remained unfit and couldn't return to the line-up, failing to recovering from his knee injury. Selectors didn't include Hardik Panya as well, in any of the squads, as they aren't fully confident of his ability to deliver as an all-rounder due to fitness concerns. R Ashwin, meanwhile, is not in any squads for being unavailable for selection and the offie is undergoing treatment. Bhuvneshwar Kumar held onto his T20I spot but isn't in the scheme of things for ODIs. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni is one of the sharpest cricket minds: Greg Chappell heaps praise on former Indian captain In addition, there are some big updates with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami being rested. Limited-overs vice-captain KL Rahul will be available from the second ODI onwards whereas spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel will feature only in the T20Is. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami have been rested from the series. KL Rahul will be available from 2nd ODI onwards. R Jadeja is undergoing his final stage of recovery post his knee injury and will not be available for the ODIs and T20Is. Axar Patel will be available for the T20Is. — BCCI (@BCCI) January 26, 2022 × The biggest talking point is the addition of some domestic and IPL star players such as Deepak Hooda and Ravi Bishnoi. Hooda, Harshal Patel are named in the ODI and T20I squad, respectively, whereas Bishnoi is part of both ODIs and T20Is. Kuldeep Yadav also makes a return to the ODI setup. Pacers Md Siraj and Avesh Khan have been backed for both the white-balls series whereas Prasidh Krishna is part of the 50-over squad. Nonetheless, there was no room for Himachal's star Rishi Dhawan, who has had a stellar run in the domestic circuit of late. ALSO READ | Good news for Team India fans! Rohit Sharma clears fitness test ahead of West Indies series: Report India will lock horns with West Indies in three ODIs and equal number of T20Is in early February, starting on the 6th. The ODIs will be held in Ahmedabad and the T20Is will take place in Kolkata. The BCCI had recently revised the schedule, to not have the ODIs clash with the IPL 2022 mega auction, and also narrowed down the total venues from six to two cities due to Covid-19 crisis. Squad for WI series: ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (Capt), KL Rahul (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), D Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Y Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan T20I squad: Rohit Sharma(Capt),KL Rahul (vc),Ishan Kishan,Virat Kohli,Shreyas Iyer,Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk),Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Mohd. Siraj, Bhuvneshwar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel

BCCI announces Rohit-led India squad for WI series; Jasprit Bumrah, Md Shami rested, Jadeja misses out

Senior batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are set to be demoted in BCCI's central contract list. The two senior players have been under the radar for quite sometime, owing to their poor scores in the red-ball format. Pujara's last Test ton came in early 2019 whereas the former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has not been able to score a hundred following his heroics in the MCG Test between India and Australia in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Rahane's 112 in the MCG Test remains his last Test century and, thus, the right-hander also lost the vice-captaincy post recently.&nbsp;Both Rahane and Pujara were offered a Grade A contract by BCCI in 2021, with a&nbsp;salary of Rs 5 crore each (INR 50 millions).

As per The&nbsp;Times of India, the two will be demoted to Grade B due to their low returns with the bat. The players in Grade B have a salary of Rs 3 crore each (INR 30 millions). In addition, as per the report, veteran pacers Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav are also likely to be dropped in the contract list.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravid-hints-at-change-of-template-for-team-india-in-white-ball-cricket-post-south-africa-odis-447382">Rahul Dravid hints at change of template for Team India in white-ball cricket post South Africa ODIs</a>

On the other hand, the likes of KL Rahul and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will not be promoted&nbsp;in the central contract list, the report further adds. While the two players feature in all forms of the game for Team India, they were likely to get a promotion to Grade A+ category. However, the report suggests that it may not happen so soon for them.

The Grade A+ category comprises three players, such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and speedster Jasprit Bumrah. Apart from the contract list, the Indian team for the forthcoming limited-overs series versus West Indies is also set to be announced very soon.

After the disastrous tour of South Africa, India will now gear up to host West Indies and Sri Lanka before the action moves to the IPL 2022 edition.

Senior batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are set to be demoted in BCCI's central contract list. The two senior players have been under the radar for quite sometime, owing to their poor scores in the red-ball format.

Senior batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are set to be demoted in BCCI's central contract list. The two senior players have been under the radar for quite sometime, owing to their poor scores in the red-ball format. Pujara's last Test ton came in early 2019 whereas the former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has not been able to score a hundred following his heroics in the MCG Test between India and Australia in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rahane's 112 in the MCG Test remains his last Test century and, thus, the right-hander also lost the vice-captaincy post recently. Both Rahane and Pujara were offered a Grade A contract by BCCI in 2021, with a salary of Rs 5 crore each (INR 50 millions). As per The Times of India, the two will be demoted to Grade B due to their low returns with the bat. The players in Grade B have a salary of Rs 3 crore each (INR 30 millions). In addition, as per the report, veteran pacers Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav are also likely to be dropped in the contract list. ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid hints at change of template for Team India in white-ball cricket post South Africa ODIs On the other hand, the likes of KL Rahul and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will not be promoted in the central contract list, the report further adds. While the two players feature in all forms of the game for Team India, they were likely to get a promotion to Grade A+ category. However, the report suggests that it may not happen so soon for them. The Grade A+ category comprises three players, such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and speedster Jasprit Bumrah. Apart from the contract list, the Indian team for the forthcoming limited-overs series versus West Indies is also set to be announced very soon. After the disastrous tour of South Africa, India will now gear up to host West Indies and Sri Lanka before the action moves to the IPL 2022 edition.

BCCI central contracts: Test specialists Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane likely face demotion - Report

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