Dhoni to lead second-string Indian team for Zimbabwe tour

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

IMAGE: Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will lead a second-string Indian team for the limited overs tour of Zimbabwe, while Virat Kohli has been rested because of injury sustained during the ongoing India Premier League, the national selectors announced in Mumbai on Monday.

However, Kohli will lead a full strength Indian team for a four-Test tour of West Indies in July-August.

Vidarbha’s left-handed opener Faiz Fazal and Haryana off-spinner Jayant Yadav were the two surprise inclusions in the 16-member squad for the tour of Zimbabwe starting next month.

The bilateral tour comprises three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals.

Karnataka’s batting trio of K L Rahul, Karun Nair and Manish Pandey were rewarded for their good performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League as well as in the domestic season. Royal Challengers Bangalore leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also got a look-in courtesy his good performances in the IPL, while left-arm spinner Axar Patel also makes a comeback.

There was no place for seniors Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, as well as Suresh Raina as the selectors opted for a young team for the Zimbabwe tour.

However, chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil claimed it is not the end of the road for the trio.

“The selectors have no right to tell any player when to retire. The selectors have the right to pick the players, looking at their form, performance and fitness. We selected the players (Harbhajan and Yuvraj) looking at them for the T20 World Cup, now we are looking at the future of Indian cricket but that doesn’t mean that these names will not be considered. They will have to perform and we will be very happy if they perform and get back into the Indian side,” Patil said in Mumbai.

Shardul Thakur appeals

IMAGE: Shardul Thakur appeals. Photograph: PTI

Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran and Jaydev Unadkat are the four fast bowlers for the Zimbabwe tour.

Mandeep Singh and Kedar Jadhav also managed to make it for the Zimbabwe tour despite not getting picked by their franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ongoing IPL.

Dhoni, who has retired from Test cricket, is the senior-most player in the squad.

“Dhoni has retired from the longer format and we selectors felt that this is the best opportunity for youngsters to have someone like Dhoni, who has ample experience. Dhoni himself was very keen to tour with the youngsters, so I think it is a very good sign and a good help for the youngsters, who are going to be part of the Zimbabwe tour,” Patil stated.

“It was a decision of the selection committee to try young players for the Zimbabwe tour and another side for West Indies,” he further added.

However, there is no confirmation yet on who will coach the team in Zimbabwe.

“The support staff will be decided shortly,” said BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke.

The Test team for the tour of West Indies was on expected lines barring Shardul Thakur with the Mumbai pacer rewarded for his consistent showing in domestic cricket.

Thakur was Mumbai’s highest wicket-taker last season with 41 scalps to play a key role in their 41st title triumph.

Indian team for limited overs tour of Zimbabwe:

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain)

KL Rahul

Faiz Fazal

Karun Nair

Manish Pandey

Ambati Rayudu

Rishi Dhawan

Axar Patel

Jayant Yadav

Dhawal Kulkarni