The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced 15-member Team India for the forthcoming World Cup in Australia-New Zealand, starting February 14.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who was nursing a shoulder injury, has been included into the squad for both tri-series and the World Cup. Yuvraj Singh, meanwhile, who was tipped as Jadeja’s replacement has missed the cut.
Along with Jadeja, left-arm spinner Axar Patel has also been included in the squad, while there were no question marks over Ravichandran Ashwin’s place in the squad.
Murali Vijay, however, has missed the cut, so does Robin Uthappa, as the selectors have decided to stick with Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina.
MS Dhoni is named the skipper of the team for the title defense, while star batsman Virat Kohli is named his deputy. All-rounder Stuart Binny has also been included owing to the limited-overs experience he has of playing in New Zealand.
The pace bowling department is unchanged, featuring Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while Varun Aaron has missed out.
The defending champions will open their campaign against archrivals Pakistan on February 15 at the Adelaide Oval. The MS Dhoni-led side will next face UAE, followed by games against West Indies, Ireland and Zimbabwe.
India Squad for World Cup: MS Dhoni (c), Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Stuart Binny, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ambati Rayudu, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma.