In a rare instance, Shikhar Dhawan will lead a second-line Indian team in Sri Lanka next month when the Virat Kohli-led side is in the UK ahead of the Test against England.
BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal on Wednesday said that India fielding two different squads at different locations could become a norm due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic as it brings more bilateral cricket and relief to players from all formats. gives. .
In a rare instance, Shikhar Dhawan will lead a second-line Indian team in Sri Lanka next month when the Virat Kohli-led side is in the UK ahead of the Test against England.
Kohli has already talked about the need to give players a break from the bubble life apart from managing their workloads.
Dhumal told PTI, "There is a definite possibility that India could play another limited overs tour with a young team, while the main team players are playing elsewhere or need a break. COVID. The restrictions related to-19 also need to be taken into account."
"It (India's two squads) also shows the solid bench strength of the Indian team and gives us an opportunity to organize more bilateral cricket and help other boards that 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 in the last 18 months," he added.
India have picked six uncapped players for the Sri Lanka tour which includes three ODIs and as many T20Is from July 13. All matches will be played in Colombo.
Talking about women's cricket, for which BCCI has often faced criticism, Dhumal said that the board is taking all necessary steps to develop the game in the country.
"Women's cricket has come a long way after coming under the aegis of BCCI. The game will grow even more in future and the board will leave no stone unturned to give more exposure and opportunities to the budding women cricketers," she said.
"The board has made a conscious effort to give them enough playing time ahead of the World Cup (next year) with tours to England and Australia.
We are very happy to see him play Tests again and wish the players all the best.
However, he said it would be difficult to make it to the women's challenge during the IPL as the team is scheduled to play three ODIs, one pink-ball Test and three T20Is in Australia from September 19, when the second half of the IPL begins.
Players will also have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Australia.
"The way the schedule stands, it is difficult to find a window for a women's challenge during the IPL," Dhumal said.