Injured Vijay makes way for Shikhar Dhawan

New Delhi:  India suffered massive blow even before they landed on the Sri Lanka shores as star opener Murali Vijay has been ruled out with wrist injury and has been subsequently replaced by Shikhar Dhawan in the 16-member squad.

Murali Vijay had suffered an injury to his wrist during Australia Test series, witnessed pain during the preparatory match and has been advised to continue his rehabilitation program.

Dhawan enjoyed splendid form during India’s Champions Trophy campaign and continued his dominance with the bat against West Indies.

The swashbuckling left hand batsman makes a comeback to the Test sides after 8 months. He last played the longest format against New Zealand in October and was eventually ruled out due to thumb injury.

India already have Rohit Sharma and Abhinav Mukund in their ranks and with addition of in-form Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli will have a selection headache when India takes on Sri Lanka in the first Test on July 26.

India is scheduled to play three Test matches, Five ODI’s and one-off T20 against Sri Lanka.