Indian batter Hanuma Vihari has noted that BCCI has obliged to Shubman Gill’s request ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. After losses in home Test series against New Zealand and South Africa, Indian skipper Shubman Gill requested BCCI to organise 15-day preparation camp ahead of every Test series.

With the series against Sri Lanka set to be played from August 15 onwards, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection has named the 15-man squad for the series well in advance.

India will also play a four-day warm-up match ahead of the first Test to prepare in the best possible manner for the series.

“The BCCI announced the Test squad very early. Not often we see this, as usually a Test series is right after IPL or an ODI or T20I series. But after losses to New Zealand and South Africa at home, Shubman Gill had given a statement about needing enough preparation time for a Test series. I think the BCCI obliged to Shubman Gill’s input, and keeping that in mind, they have announced the squad early. India will also play a practice match before the series, and you don’t see that often,” Hanuma Vihari said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Vihari added that the two Test matches will hold a lot of value for India and they will improve their chances of advancing further in the Test championship race if they take 24 points out of these two games.

“This series is important for India as if they win both the games, they will have a chance to advance in the WTC table. If you win both games in a two-match series, the chances of the percentage increasing become higher. This series, then the series against New Zealand and Australia, will determine whether India qualify for the final or not.”

India is currently in fifth place in the WTC points table after four wins and as many losses after nine games with a PCT of 48.15.

The first Test match between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Galle from August 15 onwards.