India opener Murali Vijay has been ruled out of the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka with a hamstring injury.

 

In Vijay’s absence from the game beginning here on Wednesday, India is likely to open with Shikhar Dhawan and Lokesh Rahul.

 

“Vijay is not completely fit and since he is still under recovery, we don’t want to take a chance with weather like this and slippery outfield. It is a big blow as he is an in-form player and has ability to play the long innings. We will miss his experience,” said team director Ravi Shastri in a media interaction on Monday.

 

In the recent past, Vijay has been the most consistent batsman for India with successful outings in England, Australia and Bangladesh. In 32 Tests, Vijay has scored 2338 runs with an average of 41.75 and six centuries.

 

India look likely to field a five-bowler attack and its combination will depend on the pitch on match-day. Shastri also hinted that Rohit Sharma will continue to play at the number three spot which means that Cheteshwar Pujara might not find a place in the eleven.

 

“Beyond that, playing five bowlers is always the first option. The endeavour is to take twenty wickets so you can win matches. You have to think in that fashion,” Shastri said.

(PTI)