Indian recalled batsman Rohit Sharma and included uncapped all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the squad to face Sri Lanka in a three-test series starting this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday.
Sharma last played in the five-day format against New Zealand in October, 2016 before he was sidelined with a thigh injury.
The 30-year-old, who finished as second-highest run scorer at the Champions Trophy last month, was rested for the limited-overs tour of West Indies. He replaces Karun Nair in the 16-member squad.
Pandya, a regular in India's one-day international and Twenty20 sides, could make his test debut to support the pace bowling unit comprising Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
KL Rahul was also included after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the home test series against Australia this year.
The number one test team in the official rankings, Virat Kohli's India side will play three tests, five one-dayers and one Twenty20 international in Sri Lanka.
Diwali celebration tomorrow kicks off business with ticketed workshops and networking.
Model taps into growing demand for inclusive, heritage-focused experiences.
Platform targets not just south Asians seeking cultural connection, but everyone.
Creating cultural belonging
Priyanka Patel, curator of The Empowered Desi, a new events platform for south Asians seeking cultural connection, is here with a Diwali celebration on Saturday (18) at Fargo Village in Coventry. The venture was born from personal experience – Patel felt "isolated and neglected" growing up without many south Asian friends. Spotting a gap in the market, she's now building a business around creating inclusive spaces for south Asians regardless of religious or regional background.
Diwali-themed , Paint N Sip event in Coventry marks the venture's next partnership with local business Sugar and Spice, Patel is offering a ticketed experience featuring diya decorating workshops, Indian grazing boards with chai, and jewellery stations where guests can take home jhumkas and bangles. The Diwali format combines cultural celebration with networking opportunities, with south Asian attire preferred.
Empowerment through experience
I couldn't talk about the festivals we celebrate, the type of Indian food we have, and also the clothes we wear for special occasions," Patel told BBC."I felt that I couldn't express my individuality, which in turn affected my confidence and self-worth." She realised that lack of cultural belonging represented an untapped market.
The business model centres on experiential events that blend tradition with social connection. The first workshop held on September (20) focused on bento cake decorating, a trendy format paired with south Asian networking. Patel aims for attendees to "feel empowered and inspired."
With South Asian Heritage Month highlighting the importance of cultural spaces, The Empowered Desi positions itself at the intersection of community building and commercial viability. Patel's betting that others share her experience and are willing to pay for a sense of belonging.
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