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Former Indian batter Hanuma Vihari was surprised by the BCCI’s move to announce the Test squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka series so early. The former batter pointed out that the BCCI usually announces its Test squad much closer to the start of a series.
But this time, the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka was announced on July 28, almost three weeks before the opening Test on August 15. Ahead of the Test series, Irfan Pathan slams Indian selectors over Auqib Nabi's repeated snub.
Hanuma Vihari reveals why BCCI announced India's Test squad early
Hanuma Vihari said that this happened because the captain Shubman Gill had earlier spoken about the need for a 15-day preparation camp before every Test series. Amid this, AB de Villiers questions Rishabh Pant's Test selection, backs Saransh Jain's inclusion.
After embarrassing Test series losses to New Zealand and South Africa at home, Gill had said the players need enough time to get ready for red-ball cricket instead of moving directly from the IPL or white-ball matches into Test cricket.
Keeping that in mind, the BCCI has not only picked the Test squad for the Sri Lanka series early but also arranged a four-day practice match in Colombo from August 7. Vihari feels this arrangement will help the players adjust to Sri Lankan conditions and perform better.
Hanuma Vihari said on his YouTube channel, "The BCCI announced the Test squad very early. Not often do we see this, as usually a Test series is right after the IPL or an ODI or T20I series. I think the BCCI is obliged to Shubman Gill's input, and keeping that in mind, they have announced the squad early. India will also play a practice match before the series, and you don't see that often."
Hanuma Vihari issues big WTC warning to Team India
Vihari also said the Sri Lanka series is very important for India's chances of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. They are currently fifth in the WTC 2025-27 points table with four wins and four defeats from nine matches, having a 48.15 percent points percentage.
He further added, "This series is important for India, as if they win both the games, they will have a chance to advance in the WTC table. If you win both games in a two-match series, the chances of the percentage increasing become higher. This series, then the series against New Zealand and Australia, will determine whether India qualifies for the final or not."
Hanuma Vihari warns India against taking Sri Lanka lightly
However, Vihari warned India against taking Sri Lanka lightly. He said Sri Lanka is always a dangerous team at home because their pitches help spin bowlers, so the Indian batter must avoid playing too many sweep shots in the upcoming Test series.
He signed off by saying, “Sri Lanka is a dangerous side at home as there are slow turners there. The Indian batters do not play the sweep shot a lot. They will have to practice doing that. In international cricket, only proper practice will help make things easier during matches.”
Notably, India will play the first Test in Galle from August 15, while the second Test will begin in Colombo on August 23. It will also be India's first Test tour of Sri Lanka since 2017.
