Mohali: Two fresh faces joined the Indian team in training ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka, which begins on March 4 in Mohali. Sairaj Bahutule, former Indian spinner, and Apurva Desai, former first-class cricketer for Gujarat, were seen assisting the Indian team.
Bahutule was rumored to be joining the team as the spin bowling coach after spending the majority of his time with Kuldeep Yadav. A BCCI official, however, has debunked the rumor, noting that they are only operating on a temporary basis.
“Sai has been in Mohali with the Test specialists who had gone there more than a week ago. He has been assisting them in their training while Rahul and others were with the white ball squad. They will be with the side for a couple of more days before going back to the NCA,” the official said.
Meanwhile, spectators will go to the first Test to see Virat Kohli play in his 100th Test match. After consulting with the BCCI, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) has decided to change its mind.
“The first Test between India and Sri Lanka to be played at the Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali will not be held behind closed doors. The decision to allow spectators into the ground is one taken by the State Cricketing Associations and in the present circumstances, is based on various factors.”
“I have spoken with the PCA office bearers and they have confirmed that cricket fans will be able to witness the historic moment of Virat Kohli playing his 100th Test match,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.
Indian Test Squad for Sri Lanka series:
Rohit Sharma (c), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ravichandran Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Saurabh Kumar.
