The Two Indian Squads Also Shows The Solid Bench Strength - BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal Says Two Separate India Teams Could Continue To Play Further In The Future

Arun Dhumal, the BCCI treasurer, speaks highly of the fact that Team India will have two separate squads to play in two different countries.

A Virat Kohli-led outfit is in the UK for their 6-Test assignments: The WTC final versus New Zealand followed by a 5-match Test series with hosts England. Another second-string side, which will be captained by Shikhar Dhawan, will tour Sri Lanka in July for 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is.

Arun Dhumal proudly says that such a scenario illustrates the depth of India’s bench strength, a glimpse of which was shown on the tour of Australia, where several fringe players won the Brisbane Test in absence of the first-choice ones.

Arun Dhumal also said that there is a “definite possibility” that we could see more such occasions when two Indian teams will simultaneously be in play because of the quarantine protocols.

“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,” Arun Dhumal told PTI.

“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 added.

The board will leave no stone unturned to give more opportunity to women cricketers: Arun Dhumal

Arun Dhumal also talked about the India women’s team, who is currently playing a one-off Test match versus England in Bristol. He assured that the BCCI will do everything possible for the betterment and progress of women’s cricket in the country.

The Mithali Raj-led side is playing its first Test match in 7 years; they are slated to play a Day-Night game with the pink ball in Australia later in the year, ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

“Women’s cricket has come a long way after it came under the aegis of BCCI. The sport will grow even more in the future and the board will leave no stone unturned to give more exposure and opportunity to budding women cricketers.

“The board has already made a conscious attempt to give them substantial game time before the World Cup (next year) with tours of England and Australia lined up. We are also really happy to see them playing Tests again and wish the players the very best,” he further stated.