SENIORS OVERLOOKED FOR WI TEST SERIES

by Krupal Patel     Published 31 October 2013

Zaheer Khan will have to wait for his comeback in the Indian Test side after the veteran pacer was overlooked in the 15-member squad for the two-match series against West Indies.

Offspinner Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh were also not considered for the two Tests to be played in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Zaheer played the last of his 88 Tests against England at Kolkata last year while Bhajji, who with 410 scalps from 101 Tests is the highest wicket taker amongst the current bowlers in international cricket, has played only three Test matches after July 2011.

Ishant Sharma has been retained despite his poor showing in ODIs. Meanwhile Bengal medium pacer Mohammad Shami has earned his maiden call-up in the Test side. The 23-year-old has 71 wickets from 18 first-class games. 

Pacer Umesh Yadav makes a comeback in the side after missing out India’s last Test series against Australia at home in February-March due to injury.

Rohit Sharma has been rewarded for his consistent showing in ODIs with a call-up in the Test side for the first time since India's tour of Australia in 2011-12.

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has a shoulder strain and has been rested for the series as a precautionary measure.

Team: MS Dhoni, S Dhawan, M Vijay, C Pujara, V Kohli, S Tendulkar, R Ashwin, B Kumar, P Ojha, A Mishra, A Rahane, U Yadav, M Shami, R Sharma, I Sharma.