Sombre mood prevails after SC's disclosure

The Mudgal committee on Friday named four key names associated with Indian cricket, besides a few players, and it has cast a shadow over India’s preparations for the fifth and final one-dayer against Sri Lanka to be held here on Sunday.

The revelations came two days prior to India’s fifth and final one-dayer against Sri Lanka at the JSCA Stadium, and at a time when the home side looked primed to inflict a series whitewash on the visitors.

The court inadvertently let out names of a couple of players before stating that the names should not be revealed.

Rohit Sharma’s world record 264 had helped India win the fourth ODI at the Eden Gardens on Thursday by 153 runs, also taking a 4-0 lead in the series.

The team was expected travel from Kolkata to Ranchi in a chartered flight after a prolonged celebration of Rohit’s stupendous feat.

However, it turned out to be a rather sombre affair after the Mudgal panel revelations.

The team think tank has yet not finalise Saturday’s pre-match training schedule that includes practice and a press conference.

But indications are that the team might opt for an optional training session with only a few players attending the drills.

However, the full squad will be stationed in Ranchi.

With the series already in the kitty and the team set to travel to Australia on November 21, the backroom staff would be eager to minimise the chances of injuries.

India have already three names in that injury list – Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami and Varun Aaron.

All the three players are travelling with the team for the convenience of the physio to work with them.