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17 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
2 min
SportsNEWS

Ravi Bishnoi replaces Washington Sundar; Shreyas Iyer joins T20I squad

Ravi Bishnoi replaces injured Washington Sundar; Shreyas Iyer added to T20I squad.

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Ravi Bishnoi replaces Washington Sundar; Shreyas Iyer joins T20I squad

Photo by Diego González

Quick Revision

1.

Washington Sundar: Ruled out due to injury

2.

Ravi Bishnoi: Named as replacement

3.

Shreyas Iyer: Added to squad for first 3 T20Is

4.

Tilak Varma: Injured

Key Numbers

5 - Number of T20I matches3 - Number of T20Is Shreyas Iyer will play

Visual Insights

Exam Angles

1.

GS-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

2.

GS-III: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on sports governance and talent identification.

View Detailed Summary

Summary

Injured all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The selection committee has named Ravi Bishnoi as his replacement. Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has been added to the squad for the first three T20Is as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma.

Background

The history of Indian cricket team selection is marked by regional biases, performance metrics, and the influence of various committees. Prior to formal selection committees, team selection was often ad-hoc, relying on the captain's preferences and the opinions of senior players. The establishment of structured selection committees aimed to bring objectivity and consistency to the process.

Over time, the selection criteria have evolved to include factors like domestic performance, international experience, fitness levels, and adaptability to different playing conditions. The role of selectors has become increasingly scrutinized due to the high stakes involved and the diverse opinions among fans and experts. The evolution of T20 cricket has further complicated selection strategies, requiring a balance between traditional skills and specialized T20 expertise.

Latest Developments

In recent years, Indian cricket team selection has emphasized data analytics and performance tracking to identify potential talent and optimize team composition. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) plays a crucial role in nurturing young players and preparing them for international cricket. The Yo-Yo test and other fitness assessments have become standard criteria for selection, reflecting the emphasis on athleticism in modern cricket.

The emergence of various T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), has provided a platform for players to showcase their skills and stake a claim for national team selection. Looking ahead, the selection process is expected to become even more data-driven, with greater emphasis on player workload management and injury prevention.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI): 1. It is an autonomous body registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act. 2. The BCCI is responsible for the selection of the Indian cricket team. 3. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports directly controls the financial matters of the BCCI. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct as BCCI is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act. Statement 2 is correct as BCCI is responsible for team selection. Statement 3 is incorrect as BCCI is financially autonomous, though it is subject to some government regulations.

2. In the context of sports in India, consider the following statements: 1. The National Sports Code aims to promote good governance and transparency in sports federations. 2. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is primarily responsible for promoting sports at the grassroots level. 3. The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is given for lifetime achievement in sports. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct as the National Sports Code aims to promote good governance. Statement 2 is correct as SAI is responsible for grassroots sports development. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award) is given for outstanding performance in a year, not lifetime achievement.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the selection process for the Indian cricket team? A) The selection committee is appointed by the BCCI. B) Domestic performance is a key criterion for selection. C) The captain's opinion is not considered during team selection. D) Fitness tests are mandatory for all players considered for selection.

  • A.The selection committee is appointed by the BCCI.
  • B.Domestic performance is a key criterion for selection.
  • C.The captain's opinion is not considered during team selection.
  • D.Fitness tests are mandatory for all players considered for selection.
Show Answer

Answer: C

The captain's opinion is definitely considered during team selection, although the final decision rests with the selection committee. The other statements are generally correct.

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