Bhuvneshwar back in India’s ODI, T20I squads for West Indies series

Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is all set to make a comeback from his injury issues after being included in both the ODI and T20I squads for the series against West Indies. Shivam Dube has also been included in the ODI squad while Kuldeep Yadav makes a return to the T20I setup. Contrary to reports, there will be no rest for Indian vice-captain Rohit Sharma despite concerns over his heavy workload. There are still no signs of MS Dhoni with Rishabh Pant continuing as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman. This will continue to intensify speculations over Dhoni’s future in international cricket.

ALERT🚨: #TeamIndia for the upcoming @Paytm series against West Indies announced. #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/7RJLc4MDB1

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 21, 2019

The selection for the home series against West Indies is set to be the final one by the MSK Prasad-led panel. Their tenure has certainly been a controversial one, with many prominent names raising questions over some of their decisions as well as their credibility. There will again be some questions raised as Sanju Samson has been dropped from the T20I squad without being afforded an opportunity during the Bangladesh series.

Under-fire Shikhar Dhawan has also been given another chance in the T20I set-up, despite mediocre numbers. Ravindra Jadeja also returns after being rested for the T20I leg of the Bangladesh series. He will be the like-for-like replacement for all-rounder Krunal Pandya.  Mohammed Shami on the back of his blistering form in Test cricket is also included in both the squads. Pacers Shardul Thakur and Khaleel Ahmed are axed after Shami and Bhuvneshwar’s comeback.

The batting order though, in both the formats hasn’t been tampered with much. The selectors have opted to keep faith with the tried and tested performers. The series against West Indies will be crucial in India’s preparation for the upcoming T20I World Cup in Australia in 2020.

India’s three-match T20I series against West Indies will begin on 6th December in Mumbai. The three-match ODI series will commence on 15th December in Chennai.

T20I Squad: Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma (VC), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar

ODI Squad: Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma (VC), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Risbhabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar