Indian premier fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, opener Shikhar Dhawan will not be available for the second test against Sri Lanka in the ongoing series, a statement from BCCI said.
The duo have been released after the players requested the board due to personal reasons. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will miss both the test matches against Sri Lanka but Dhawan is expected to be available for the third and final test.
It will be a huge blow for India as both the players have made their mark in the rain affected game in Kolkata. Dhawan had scored a well made 94, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar made a name for himself earning Man of the match award after picking up eight wickets in the test match.
Tamil Nadu all rounder Vijay Shankar has been roped in for the second test match at Nagpur which will begin on November 24.
In the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma is expected to get a nod in the starting lineup if India looks to continue their five bowler strategy. On the other hand, comeback man Murali Vijay is expected to slot in for Shikar Dhawan in the opening position for the second test.
India have made Sri Lanka pale in the final session of first test where they almost snatched a win. The team will now look to take their confidence into the second test match and hopefully win it.