INDvSL: No spectators for Mohali Test, Bengaluru to allow fans
What's the story
Team India is set to play two-match Test series against Sri Lanka following the conclusion of the ongoing T20I series against the island nation.
The opening Test will be played at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali and it will be held behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, according to reports, the spectators will be allowed in the stands for the Bengaluru Test.
Here's more.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The second game between India and SL will have a 50% crowd capacity.
The Bengaluru Test will be played using the pink ball as it is a Day/Night Test. Notably, this is the second time, India would be hosting a pink-ball Test.
With COVID-19 cases declining in India, the D/N Test is expected to garner a lot of interest among fans.
Statement
Singla confirms no spectator for Mohali Test
"Yes, apart from the people, who are on duty for the Test match, we are not allowing any general spectator as per the directive of the BCCI," Punjab Cricket Association treasurer RP Singla told PTI.
"There are fresh COVID cases emerging in and around Mohali, so it's better we take all safety protocols," he added explaining the reason behind the directive.
T20I
A look at India versus Sri Lanka T20I series
India and Sri Lanka are currently involved in a three-match T20I series.
India have taken a lead of 2-0 in the aforementioned tournament after winning the first two games.
The hosts won the first game by 62 runs and recorded a seven-wicket victory in the second match.
The third game will be played in Dharamsala on Sunday.
Information
India vs Sri Lanka, Test series: Schedule
The first Test will take place between March 4 and March 8 at PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. The second game will kick off on March 12 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The Test series will be televised on the Star Sports Network in India.
Skipper
Rohit named India's Test skipper
Last week, BCCI announced India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka series.
The Indian cricket board named Rohit Sharma as the captain of the Test team.
Interestingly, Jasprit Bumrah has been named his deputy.
Notably, India have dropped Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara from the Test squad.
Both players have failed to impress in the last couple of years.
Data
A look at India's Test squad
India's Test squad for Sri Lanka series: Rohit Sharma (captain), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Md. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Sourabh Kumar.
WTC
A look at India's position on the WTC table
India are sitting at the fifth spot. They have 53 points under their bag (highest).
Meanwhile, India's points percentage is 49.07.
India have lost three Tests, won four while drawing two games in the ongoing WTC cycle.
Sri Lanka are heading the table with two wins in their kitty from as many games.
SL have collected 24 points and their PCT is 100.