India squad for West Indies ODI series: BCCI announces 17-member squad for three ODIs, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson included

West Bengal pacer Mukesh Kumar has also been included in the 17-member squad white Saurashtra’s Jaydev Unadkat also makes a comeback.

India squad for West Indies ODI series: BCCI announces 17-member squad for three ODIs, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson included

Team India (image via BCCI)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 17-member Team India ODI squad for the three-match series against the West Indies. The ODI squad had no major surprises as Rohit Sharma was named the captain with Hardik Pandya selected as his deputy. The likes of Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill retained their places. Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson made a comeback. 

The two players were not included in India’s squad for the ODI series against Australia. Nevertheless, Samson and Gaikwad have been trusted again on the back of their IPL performances. But, as it seems, the two have been added as backup options. 

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West Bengal pacer Mukesh Kumar has also been included in the 17-member squad white Saurashtra’s Jaydev Unadkat also makes a comeback. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are the two wrist spinners while Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are the conventional left-arm orthodox options. J&K pace sensation Umran Malik has also retained his place despite a no-show in IPL 2023.

India’s ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.

Also Read: India squad for West Indies Test series: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad earn maiden call-up, Cheteshwar Pujara axed

Sanju Samson to bat at No.5?

sanju samson
Sanju Samson (Image via India.com)

With no signs of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer yet, it will be interesting to see who bats at No.5 for India. While The top three looks settled with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli taking the respective slots, the Indian team management will have to play Sanju Samson at No.4 while Surya Kumar Yadav might be accommodated at No.5.

Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja might take the No.6 and No.7 slots while Axar Patel could very well bat at No.8. However, including Patel will mean either Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal can play. Meanwhile, India will have to play with two regular pacers with Pandya filling in for the third one.

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