5 unexpected call-ups in India squad for Sri Lanka tour

Team India has managed to reach the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship. Led by an inspirational skipper in the form of Virat Kohli, they have been quite sensational. They have defeated the West Indies, England, and Australia as well. Now, captain Kohli is just one step away from lifting the trophy. 

As the selectors named the squad for the final, there were several noticeable exclusions. Adding on, Team India will play a long Test series against England later on. With such a hectic schedule, there was a huge task for the BCCI to set up a series against Sri Lanka. But, it looks like they have managed to assemble a second team for the Lankan tour. 

There was no doubt that the premier players, who missed out on the English tour, will be included in the squad. But the BCCI is well known for throwing surprises. This time too, they have named several stars who have managed to impress during the first half of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL).

In the article, let’s look at the 5 unexpected call-ups in the India squad for the Sri Lanka tour:

1. Chetan Sakariya

It has been a bittersweet year for the youngster from Bhavnagar. Chetan Sakariya had to suffer the loss of his brother and father. After grabbing an IPL contract with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), he had revealed that he could pay for the treatment of his father. But destiny had some other plan for the fast bowler. 

During his IPL debut, he impressed everyone with his bowling skills. From his four overs, the Punjab batsmen were able to score only 31 runs. He took three crucial wickets in his debut match, which included the likes of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. He was able to bowl those crucial slower ones as well. 

In seven games he played during the first half of the tournament, Sakariya picked seven wickets. He had a decent bowling average of 31.71 in the IPL. Well, if he could soak up the pressure of the IPL, he can succeed in Sri Lanka. Under the leadership of Dhawan and Kumar, he will get the chance to grow as well.