India’s limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma is all set to return to the international arena when they lock horns with West Indies after missing the entire series against South Africa. On the other hand, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to miss the home series.
Ashwin, who returned to the ODI setup after almost four years, has now sealed his place in all three formats. However, a persisting injury will keep the spinner out of action as he has asked BCCI to grant him leave for treatment, a report in Cricbuzz stated.
The report also adds that Ashwin’s inclusion in the limited-overs fold is a part of the long-term strategy keeping in mind the T20 World Cup this year and ODI World Cup next year. The head coach, captain and the selectors in unison believe the side needs the experience and expertise of Ravichandran Ashwin.
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, has recovered fully and will join the team. It would be his first series as the full-time ODI skipper after he was left out of the South Africa series because of a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, there is still no clarity over Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya’s availability. While Jadeja has been spotted bowling and batting at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, there is still no update on Hardik.
The selection for the six matches – three ODIs and as many T20Is against West Indies – was expected to take place on Tuesday itself (January 25) but had to be put off due to the unavailability of coach Rahul Dravid and a couple of selectors, who have travelled for almost 24 hours to reach India from South Africa. The selection committee meeting may now take place in the next two days.
The ODIs will be played in Ahmedabad on February 6, 9 and 11 and the T20Is will be in Kolkata, on February 16, 18 and 20.
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