Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s ODI and T20I squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies. Fit-again Rohit Sharma has returned to the side after completing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and will lead the team in the limited-overs series.
While BCCI clarified that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have been rested for the limited-overs series, it is evident that veterans Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin have been dropped after ordinary performances in South Africa.
After the whitewash against Temba Bavuma-led side India's inability to take wickets in middle overs was highlighted. After remaining wicketless in Sri Lanka and England series, left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has been recalled to the side to bowl in tandem with Yuzvendra Chahal.
Ravi Bishnoi has maiden call-ups whereas Deepak Hooda who is yet to make his internationa debut, has been recalled. Washington Sundar is back in the side after recovering from Covid-19. The all-rounder had contracted the virus before boarding the flight to South Africa and Jayant Yadav was named his replacement.
BCCI has also given an update on Ravindra Jadeja. The southpaw is not available for selection as he is “undergoing his final stage of recovery post his knee injury”.
India will play the three-ODI series from February 6 to 11 at Narendra Modi International stadium, Ahmedabad followed by three-T20I series at Eden Gardens, Kolkata from February 16 to February 20.
Only two venues were finalised for the limited-overs series due to rising Covid-19 cases in the country. By hosting the matches at just venues, BCCI aims to cut down travel and prevent players, support staff from contracting the virus.
India ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan
