Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been rested for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, the BCCI confirmed on Friday (November 10).
Even though Pandya was initially named in the 16-man squad for the first two Tests, the selection committee, after consulting the team management, opted to rest him considering his recent workload.
The 24-year-old has been a regular feature in the Indian side across all formats now, having made his Test debut earlier this year in Sri Lanka. Since the conclusion of the Indian Premier League, Pandya has played 22 ODIs, three Tests and five T20Is.
With India set to tour South Africa after the home series against Sri Lanka, it was decided to give Pandya a break to ensure he doesn’t face any major injury concerns being the side’s only genuine seam-bowling all-rounder.
Meanwhile, Punjab’s Anmolpreet Singh has been chosen to replace the injured Naman Ojha in the 13-man Board President’s XI squad which will take on Sri Lanka in a warm-up match ahead of the first Test.
The youngster has been in terrific form since making his first-class debut this season, scoring a fifty and two centuries, including a double. In Ojha’s absence, Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson will lead the side.
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