India’s 3 most surprising picks for West Indies series
The Indian squads for the 3-match ODI and T20I series against the West Indies were declared on 26th January. Rohit Sharma, who missed out on the South African tour due to injury, has returned to lead the side. The BCCI also decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami for these encounters. With India playing at home, the board has selected a few fresh faces. Here are India’s three most surprising picks.
3. Ravi Bishnoi
The right-arm leg spinner from Rajasthan has received his maiden call-up to the national side. Known predominantly for his fast googlies, Bishnoi’s spin bowling is closer to Rashid Khan’s bowling style. The 21-year old was impressive in the Under-19 World Cup 2020. He has also been effective at the big stage in his stint with Punjab Kings in the IPL. Bishnoi was recently retained by the franchise thus showing immense trust in his capabilities. The young spinner will want to make the best of this opportunity against the Caribbean side.
2. Kuldeep Yadav
Once the lead spinner of the Indian limited-overs side, Kuldeep fell out of the favour due to a dip in his form. The left-arm spinner last played for India in July 2021. He has featured in 67 ODIs for India and has claimed 107 wickets. The spinner will be hoping to regain his spot in the team with a solid performance. West Indies have been his favourite opponent in ODI cricket. Kuldeep’s most scalps in ODIs have been against the Men in Maroon (24 wickets in 15 matches).
1. Deepak Hooda
The big-hitting all-rounder from Haryana was in the headlines owing to controversies during his stint with Baroda. However, Deepak Hooda has now received a call-up for the national team. In the recently-concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he accumulated 294 runs in six matches. He struck four fifties but more impressive was his strike rate of 168. Along with his batting, Hooda is also an effective part-time bowler with his off-spin. It will be a welcome relief to have an all-rounder in the top six for India.
