Mumbai: All-rounder Hardik Pandya has been rested for the first two Test matches against Sri Lanka due to workload, the BCCI confirmed on Friday.
The 24-year-old hard-hitting all-rounder has been an integral part of the Indian team in recent times and has playing ever since the Champions Trophy in June.
He was initially named in India’s squad for the first two Test matches and his replacement hasn’t been named yet.
A BCCI statement read, “The all-India senior selection committee in consultation with the Indian team management has decided to rest all-rounder Hardik Pandya for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
“Considering Pandya’s heavy recent workload, the decision was made to negate any possibility of a major injury concern,” it also read.
“Pandya will undergo a period of strength and conditioning at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.”
Eden Gardens will host the first Test match beginning on November 16 with the second and third matches scheduled to be played in Nagpur and Delhi.
After the three-match Test series, India would also play an ODI and T20I series comprising of the same number of matches.
BCCI denies NADA to conduct dope test on cricketers
The BCCI in a letter to NADA (National Anti-Doping Agency) on November 8 said that it the latter had no power to conduct dope tests on cricketers.
BCCI CEO Rahul Johri in a letter to NADA chief Navin Agarwal said, “It is relevant to mention here that BCCI is not a National Sports Federation. Accordingly, NADA does not have jurisdiction to conduct dope testing of Indian cricketers in any domestic or international event organised or under the aegis of BCCI.”
It also read, “In light of the aforesaid, there is no requirement for any BCCI official to co-ordinate with NADA for dope testing of Indian cricketers either during competitions or out of completions.”