India fielding two different squads in different locations due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic can become a norm as it allows more bilateral cricket and some respite to all-format players from bio-bubble fatigue, said BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal on Wednesday. In a rare instance, Shikhar Dhawan will be leading a second-string Indian team in Sri Lanka next month when the Virat-Kohli-led side will be in the UK ahead of the Tests against England. Kohli has already spoken about the need to give players a break from the bubble life besides managing their workload.

"It is a definite possibility that India could play another limited-overs tour with a younger squad while the main team players are playing elsewhere or need a break. The Covid-19 related restrictions also need to be factored in," Dhumal told PTI. "It (two India squads) also shows the solid bench strength of the Indian team and gives us an opportunity to organise more bilateral cricket and help other boards which are facing financial challenges amid the pandemic." "It is imperative to come up with new ideas to deal with the loss of bilateral cricket that has happened over the last 18 months," he said.