Rahane to lead second string India

As was expected, most of the senior players were given much needed rest for the forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe. MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav were all rested. While most speculated Raina or Rohit to lead the side, the selectors named Ajinkya Rahane as the captain for the three ODI’s and two T20 series in the squad announced in the capital by BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur with chief selector Sandeep Patil by his side.

After being included in the Test team for the Bangladesh tour, and getting little time to make an impact owing to the weather, Harbhajan Singh was also named in the ODI squad after a gap of four years. However, this also meant there was no place for J&K offbreak bowler Parvez Rasool.

Also making a return to the ODI side is batsman Robin Uthappa and the 15-member squad also sees the inclusion of paceman Sandeep Sharma and leggie Karn Sharma.

In a largely young and second string side, a few seniors finding place are Murali Vijay, Ambati Rayudu and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.Manoj Tiwary, who had been struggling with injuries, has been recalled into the side largely benefitting from the absence of the senior players.“The Indian team did not do well in Bangladesh, we felt the same. (But) we have to move forward and considering the domestic cricket to be played, we have picked this side. It is also picked keeping in mind the 2016 T20 World Cup,” Patil said.

“We had picked the best possible team that played at the World Cup and keeping the future series in mind, whether it is Sri lanka, or South Africa home series, Twenty20 World Cup or the Australia series, we have decided to rest a few players, who need urgent rest,” he said. He further clarified that it was the players’ request to be given rest after grueling seven months of cricket.

While most of the seniors were given rest, Ravindra Jadeja has been dropped from the side. Harbhajan’s inclusion in the squad is arguably the biggest difference to the Indian team.

“We cannot say on long term basis but looking at Harbhajan’s performance in the last series, we feel that he deserves a chance on this tour,” Patil said about Harbhajan Singh.

Rahane who doesn’t get picked in the first ODI side has been given the mantle to lead a second string side which raised a few eyebrows. “The selectors’ job is to pick the best possible combination. The rest is left to the team management. Once we select the team, it is left to the captain to make up the playing XI,” Patil added in defence of their squad choices under different captains.  “It is a good team and picking youngsters is the way forward,” BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur said.

On Rahane’s promise going forward, Patil said, “We are happy with the way his career is shaping up. He has been the most consistent batsman for India and we want to see his other aspects. So, we have given him this opportunity and we will keep backing him.”

In the aftermath of the Bangladesh loss, questions arose over the appointment of two captains for different formats and the confusion it may have caused. Thakur also stated there is no rift in the team or between Dhoni and Kohli as many reports seem to be claiming.

Shastri not to tour Zimbabwe

Team director Ravi Shastri will not be travelling with the Indian cricket squad for next month's tour of Zimbabwe owing to prior engagements.

"He has prior engagements so he won't be joining us for the Zimbabwe tour. The other three coaches will be there," said BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur here on Monday.

Sanjay Bangar is the assictant coach, Bharat Arun is the bowling coach while R Sridhar looks after the fielding aspect.Regarding the appointment of an Indian coach, Thakur said that the high-profile advisory committee comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS laxman will take a call on this matter.