Raina returns to ODI squad, Ashwin, Jadeja, Shami rested

New Delhi, Oct 6:
Batsman Suresh Raina today staged a comeback for the first three ODI against New Zealand while three senior players including off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin were rested keeping a gruelling season in mind.
Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad however made it clear that Raina’s inclusion is a short term moved primarily keeping in mind his ability to bowl tight off-breaks in sub-continental conditions.
The other two seniors rested were Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami, who are expected to play a significant part in the upcoming Test series against England and Australia.
While Raina is the most prominent name to make a comeback, it will be young Mandeep Singh, who would be opening alongside Rohit Sharma in the first three ODIs.
Off-spinner Jayant Yadav and left-arm spinner Axar Patel replaced Ashwin and Jadeja while Dhawal Kulkarni came in place of Shami.
“We gave Raina a break during the Zimbabwe tour. But with Jadeja, Ashwin and Shami rested, we needed some experience. Although it’s a short term solution. While selecting Raina, apart from his batting experience, we also considered his bowling. He has scored runs in Duleep Trophy,” chairman of selectors MSK Prasad told mediapersons today.
Hardik Pandya also made a comeback after being dropped during Zimbabwe and the tour of United States.
“Hardik bowled exceptionally well in all three formats during our A tour of Australia. He and Dhawal rose to the occasion and after we were all out for 55 in the first game, we were able to make a comeback. Also he is one of the rare seam bowling all-rounders that we have,” explained Prasad. (PTI)

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