Shikhar Dhawan has been named as replacement for Murali Vijay in the upcoming India tour of Sri Lanka, which starts on July 26 with the first Test scheduled at Galle. The BCCI confirmed the news on Monday.
This is going to be a huge let down for Vijay, who must have been keen to score big for India in India whites. He had injured his wrist during India's last Test series against Australia. As a result, he also gave IPL as well.
Vijay was also a part of the original squad announced for the Sri Lanka tour, but the same wrist problem seems to have come back to haunt him and cost a place in the side as well.
"The All-India Senior Selection Committee on Monday named Shikhar Dhawan as the replacement for injured Murali Vijay in the Test team, which is scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka for a three-match Test series," a BCCI press release stated.
"Vijay, who had suffered a wrist injury during Australia's tour of India, has complained of pain in his right wrist, while playing a preparatory match. The BCCI medical team has therefore advised that Vijay should continue his rehabilitation program."
As a result, Shikhar, who has been one of the in-form players for India in coloured clothing, has been selected in the 16-man squad.
The left-hander will also be making a comeback into the Test team. He has not played any Test cricket for India after injuring his thumb while playing against New Zealand, last yea in Kolkata.
This three-match Test series will also be for the first time when Ravi Shastri will be in charge of the India team in the capacity of coach. He had worked as Team Director from 2014-16.
Here is the updated India squad
Virat Kohli (c), Shikhar Dhawan*, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, M Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhinav Mukund
*Shikhar replacing Vijay
