India could play another limited-overs tour with a younger squad: Arun Dhumal

For the first time in recent history, two Indian national teams would be in two different countries for two different series. The main team, led by Virat Kohli, will be gearing up for their Test series against the Three Lions in England, while the other team, consisting of white-ball specialists led by Shikhar Dhawan, will be playing a limited-overs bilateral series against Sri Lanka. The main objective of having two tours at the same time is to compensate for the window lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

India was originally scheduled to tour Sri Lanka last year, but the limited-overs series could not take place as planned. Keeping this in mind, the BCCI decided to make up for the series that was supposed to take place last year by holding it in July. 

Speaking to NDTV, BCCI Treasurer, Arun Dhumal hinted at the idea that India could play another limited-overs series with the second line of contingent, which comprises of youngsters, while the main team is playing in a similar kind of series or has taken a break.

“It is a definite possibility that India could play another limited-overs tour with a younger squad while the main team players are playing elsewhere or need a break. The COVID-19 related restrictions also need to be factored in,” Dhumal was quoted as saying by NDTV.

The restrictions, bio-bubbles, and safety protocols have had a significant impact on the sport. Breaks would be ideal for players and everyone else involved in balancing their lives with the game while also maintaining good mental health. During these difficult times, innovative ideas such as having multiple sides take the field together will help the cause while also providing opportunities for a wide range of talents.

“It (two India squads) also shows the solid bench strength of the Indian team and gives us an opportunity to organise more bilateral cricket and help other boards which are facing financial challenges amid the pandemic. It is imperative to come up with new ideas to deal with the loss of bilateral cricket that has happened over the last 18 months,” he asserted.