Press Trust Of India
Mumbai, Jan 6: Yuvraj Singh’s hopes of an India comeback were dashed as the man of the tournament in the 2011 World Cup was not included in the squads for the 2015 edition and the tri series in Australia beginning January 16.
However, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, still recovering from a shoulder injury, and young left-arm spinner Axar Patel were included in India’s 15-member squad announced Tuesday for World Cup. All-rounder Stuart Binny also made the cut but there was no place for Murali Vijay, Robin Uthappa and Manoj Tewari in the team.
The squad, to be captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni has no major surprises with the selectors opting to go with four specialist pace bowlers — Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav — considering the pacy wickets in Australia and New Zealand.
The selectors have however taken some risk in picking Jadeja in the squad but BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel expressed confidence that the all-rounder will be fully fit before the biggest cricket tournament. “Jadeja at present is undergoing rehabilitation programme. He is doing wonderfully well. We had detailed discussion with BCCI physio (on his inclusion) and we are confident that he will return to training within 10 days,” Patel said on Jadeja’s fitness.
Patel informed that Yuvraj’s name was deliberated upon but they decided against selecting him. “Not only Yuvraj Singh but other names were also discussed apart from the 30 probables,” stated Patel. Sources indicated that Dhoni was not too keen on the inclusion of Yuvraj.
Team for World Cup: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma, Stuart Binny and Umesh Yadav.
Squad for ODI tri-series: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Stuart Binny, Umesh Yadav, Dhawal Kulkarni and Mohit Sharma.
Pictures shown alongside
