India dismiss 'B-team' claims on Sri Lanka tour
Yadav insisted that Ranatunga's comments had not affected the squad as it prepares.
NEW DELHI (AFP) - India batsman Suryakumar Yadav on Wednesday shrugged off complaints that only a weakened side had been sent to Sri Lanka for a limited overs tour.
Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga slammed the island s sports leaders for agreeing to the tour by a "B Team" Indian side without top stars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant.
The team led by opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan will play three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches starting July 13.
Yadav insisted that Ranatunga s comments had not affected the squad as it prepares.
"Everyone is completely focused, the way the practice sessions are going," Yadav told a virtual news conference.
"We are really excited and ready for that challenge," he added.
"We are just here to have some fun, enjoy this series and take a lot of positives from here."
Ranatunga, 57, said the tour undermined the country s "dignity" as he attacked Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa and Sri Lanka Cricket.
Kohli is leading the full strength India side preparing for five Tests in England starting next month.
Yadav is among a host of players in Sri Lanka looking to impress selectors before the Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in October-November.
"It s a great opportunity for everyone having a tour amid this situation," said Yadav, who plays for five-time champions Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
"It s a great challenge and responsibility for each and every one to come out here and express themselves," he added. "I am excited and looking forward to it."
