BAN vs IND: Rishabh Pant released from ODI squad, Axar Patel unavailable for first ODI

The Indian team led by the returning all-format skipper Rohit Sharma will take on Bangladesh in the first ODI in Dhaka without the services of Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel. According to the latest update from the BCCI, Pant has been released from the ODI squad after consultation with the medical team and will be back in the squad for the Test series later this month. Meanwhile, Axar was unavailable for selection in the ODI series opener.

India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has come under scrutiny for his prolonged lean run in white-ball cricket over the last few months. Pant was seen in some discomfort during the recently concluded ODI series against the Kiwis and has been released from the 50-over squad, citing medical reasons. No replacement has been announced by the team management so far.

Stylish opening batter KL Rahul has been moved to the middle order and will keep wickets in the absence of the southpaw, while the experienced pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will open the innings for India. Axar Patel’s omission was another glaring change in the starting eleven. The BCCI revealed that the all-rounder was unavailable for selection for the ODI series opener due to unspecified reasons.

India will bat first in the contest after Bangladesh skipper Litton Das called it right at the toss. India has decided to go forward with four all-round options in the team in the form of Washington Sundar, Shahbaaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, and Deepak Chahar. Young fast bowling sensation Kuldeep Sen has been handed his ODI debut in the series opener.

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Sen