INDvsWI: Kohli back, Pant picked up for first 2 ODIs
What's the story
Virat Kohli, who was handed a rest for the Asia Cup 2018 in September, returns for the first two ODIs against West Indies. India and West Indies are scheduled to play a five-match ODI series. Rishabh Pant has also been included in the 14-member Indian squad. India open their campaign on October 21 in Guwahati. Here's more on the same.
Information
India squad for first 2 ODIs vs West Indies
Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Khaleel Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, KL Rahul
Wicket-keeper
DK left out surprisingly, Pant included
Pant has been called up by the selectors, who also went ahead with MS Dhoni. The selection of these two means DK lost his spot. Notably, he had played all the matches in the Asia Cup. Perhaps, the selectors want to have a look at Pant. It remains to be seen whether Pant gets a place in the starting line-up.
Squad
Players who miss out and other key info
Kedar Jadhav has been left out as he is battling a hamstring injury. All-rounder Hardik Pandya too misses out. He was ruled out in between the Asia Cup after a back injury. Senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were given an extended rest. Mohammed Shami makes a return with Khaleel Ahmed and Shardul Thakur retaining their spots. Ravindra Jadeja too keeps his place.