India’s vice-captain on the tour of Sri Lanka, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has stated that the young players will carry the confidence of playing in the Indian Premier League. India has named a 20-man squad for the tour of Sri Lanka and the youngsters have received their opportunities as the main Indian team is currently in England for the five-match Test series.
Meanwhile, there isn’t a lot of experience in India’s squad but the exposure of playing in the IPL will be of great help for the young guns, who are rising through the ranks. All the players have the experience of playing in the IPL under their belt, which is going to help them.
Furthermore, they will be playing under the tutelage of Rahul Dravid, who has all the experience under his bag. Dravid is known to get the best out of young players and he will guide them on the right path on the tour of Sri Lanka.
“We have good players and they have experience of IPL, they are young but they have experience of IPL, playing T20 for so many years and they have done well for their teams,” Bhuvneshwar said on the Star Sport show ‘Follow the Blues.’
“So, it will be beneficial for the team that they will carry the confidence of IPL and they are young and talented, there is a good mix with the experienced players and this will be a good tour. “Young players who have come for their first tour and came after doing well in IPL so if they do well here then it will be great for their confidence,” he added.
The senior pacer also added that he was focused on improving his fitness while he was injured. Bhuvneshwar did make a good comeback in the series against England but he hasn’t been at his absolute best since then.
“When I was almost recovered, domestic cricket was going on as well. So my focus was to get fit and make a comeback and then I started the preparation for the match,” he said.
“Before the England series, I played domestic cricket, so that it helps me get the required match practice. One shouldn’t take things lightly, while playing domestic cricket and that kept me motivated to play for India and to stay fit,” he added.
The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will take place at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo on 18th July.
