In the absence of many first-choice players, who are in England for the five-match Test series, the Indian squad selected for Sri Lanka series led by Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the vice-captain, comprises of six uncapped players, five of whom have been called up for the first time to the senior men's team.
Opening batsmen Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, pacer Chetan Sakaria, Nitish Rana, off-spinning all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy will be looking to bank on their IPL experience, who will be playing for the first time for the national team.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who will also be looking to strengthen his place in India's white-ball XI has been given the responsibility of being Dhawan's deputy as a senior member of the side. Talking about the squad and the number of youngsters in the team on Star Sports show 'Follow the Blues', Kumar said, "We have good players and they have experience of IPL, they are young but they have experience of IPL, playing T20 for so many years and they have done well for their teams.
"So, it will be beneficial for the team that they will carry the confidence of IPL and they are young and talented, there is a good mix with the experienced players and this will be a good tour."
“Young players who have come for their first tour and came after doing well in IPL so if they do well here then it will be great for their confidence," he added.
Bhuvneshwar, who has had his issue with injuries in the past had returned to India's limited-overs squad in March this year against England after a long lay-off from the game due to a thigh muscle injury, which he suffered during the last IPL. He returned playing for his side UP in January-February which helped him stay motivated.
“When I was almost recovered, domestic cricket was going on as well. So my focus was to get fit and make a comeback and then I started the preparation for the match," he said.
“Before the England series, I played domestic cricket, so that it helps me get the required match practice. One shouldn’t take things lightly while playing domestic cricket and that kept me motivated to play for India and to stay fit," he added.
The six-match series is set to begin on July 18, after it was postponed due to the COVID-19 scare after a member of the Sri Lankan team had tested positive upon arrival from England.