New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a big decision ahead of the India-West Indies ODI series. In view of the current Covid-19 situation in India, BCCI decided to add young players Shahrukh Khan and Sai Kishore as standby players in the national team, ANI reported.
Young in-form batter Shah Rukh Khan and spinner Ravi Srinivas Sai Kishore will join the Indian team as reserve players for the upcoming six-match limited overs series against the West Indies. Both the players recently made headlines by performing brilliantly in domestic cricket.
Shahrukh and Sai Kishore played a big role in Tamil Nadu's success in domestic cricket. If any Indian player from main squad tests Covid positive during India vs West Indies series, these reserve players can be added to the squad.
"Yes, Shahrukh Khan and Sai Kishore have been chosen as stand-bys for the series against West Indies. They will be entering the bubble," sources within Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) told ANI. "With them being named as stand-bys, they are set to miss the initial phase of Ranji Trophy for Tamil Nadu," the source added.
Sai Kishore was part of a group of net bowlers in the Indian team that toured Sri Lanka last year under coach Rahul Dravid's supervision. He is becoming part of the national team for the second time.
In the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Karnataka this season, Shahrukh played a key role in making his team champions by hitting a six off the last ball. Sai Kishore also took 3 wickets in this match.
The first match of the ODI series between India and West Indies will be played on 6 February, the second ODI on 9 February and the third match on 11 February. All matches of the series will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.