After much speculations the T20I and ODI squad of Team India is announced for the Sri Lanka series. India is set to play only six ODIs ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in early 2025 and that is why they have went with almost the full squad for the ODIs as they look to prepare well ahead of the mega event. Only Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya has been rested as part of their workload management programme. Riyan Parag has been called up in the ODI squad as well along with youngster pacer Harshit Rana, who impressed in the domestics as well as IPL. Shreyas Iyer, who has not played for India since the Test series against England in early 2024 and was dropped off the BCCI central contract, has also received a call-up. India's Squad For Sri Lanka ODIs: Rishabh Pant Makes Comeback, Riyan Parag Included.
Shreyas Iyer, who had a fantastic outing the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 featured for Team India in the T20 series against Australia and also in the tour of South Africa. During the five-Test series against England, Iyer complained about a discomfort in his back. Although he was asked to report to NCA or play the ongoing Ranji Trophy game of Mumbai, Iyer opted to go to the KKR pre-season camp and had his workload managed there. As a repercussion to the decision, Iyer was dropped off the list of central contracts offered for the 2024-25 season and since then he has not played any cricket for India as well. Iyer played the Ranji Trophy final for Mumbai and then lead KKR in the IPL 2024, winning the titles on both occasions. Shreyas Iyer Spotted Training in the Rains Ahead of India's Squad Selection For ODIs Against Sri Lanka, Video Goes Viral.
According to a report from Indian Express, Shreyas Iyer's central contract is likely to be restored by BCCI. As per the sources, with his return to international cricket, Iyer will soon find a place in BCCI’s annual contract. After the IPL 2024, Iyer revealed that he was struggling to keep up in the longer format with the back issue and when he raised the concern, no one was agreeing to it. Although it seems, things are now changing for him in BCCI, more so after the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach who showed an excellent understanding with Iyer during KKR's IPL 2024 victory.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 19, 2024 03:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).