India released their ODI squad for first three matches against Sri Lanka. In what can be termed as surprise move, Indian skipper MS Dhoni has been left out team along with star pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar. In absence of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli will lead the side in a series which begins early next month – November. BCCI in its press release didn’t specify why MS Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are left out. Is it due to injury or are they rested? One can only speculate.
There are some changes from the team which played four One-day Ineternational against West Indies earlier in the October. Apart from Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar, former India U19 and KKR chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav is also left-out. Rest of the team on expected lines.
The only glitch remaims is India’s regular opener in ODIs Rohit Sharma, who was out with an injury after England ODIs, didn’t find room in the team, but was given a consolation to play against Sri Lankans in warmp up match for India A side.
This series was arranged in a haste, as West Indies players left the tour abruptly due to their contract issues with WICB.
ODI sqaud: Virat Kohli (capt.), Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, M Vijay, Varun Aaron, Akshar Patel.
Players coming back: R Ashwin, Wriddhiman Saha, Varun Aaron
Players left-Out: MS Dhoni, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav