Related Links : Pakistan’s Tour of India : Challenger Trophy 2007/08
Virender Sehwag has forced his way back into the Indian One Day Side following a blistering batting performance on the third day of the ongoing Challenger Trophy Series in Ahmedabad. Based on his superb performances with the ball, Uttar Pradesh’s all rounder Praveen Kumar has been given his first selection in the Indian team. The big news is that former Captain Rahul Dravid has been dropped for the first two ODIs along with Dinesh Karthik. According to the Selectors, Rahul Dravid has been ‘given a break’.
The Selectors led by Dilip Vengsarkar have picked a 15-man squad for the first two ODIs against Pakistan. Gautam Gambhir returns back to the side after missing out in the Australian ODI Series due to an injury. Subramiam Badrinath who was picked in his place during that series has been overlooked atleast for now.
The choice of having Praveen Kumar in the national side is quite interesting as he doesn’t seem to be having the kind of pace that is required at the highest level. What stands in his favour is the sharp inswinger that can shock any batsmen but his pace of around 125kmph may be found wanting on flat batting tracks. For his credit, Praveen Kumar had picked up four wickets in the first match and then five wickets in yesterday’s match which has impressed Dilip Vengsarkar and co. The 21-year-old Praveen Kumar is not just a swing bowler but can also play the pinch hitting role as a hard hitting batsman.
India Squad for first two ODIs : Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain and Wicket Keeper), Yuvraj Singh (Vice-Captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Irfan Pathan, Murali Kartik, Rohit Sharma, RP Singh, Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, Harbhajan Singh and Praveen Kumar