5 Surprise picks in the Indian ODI squad for the series against New Zealand

India’s new selection panel led by former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman MSK Prasad sat down for the first time and picked the 15-member Indian ODI squad for the first three of the five ODIs against New Zealand which starts later this month. The squad led by MS Dhoni saw limited overs specialist like Manish Pandey and Jasprit Bumrah come back to the team. The squad announced threw a few surprises at the fans. Two big names – Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin – have been rested. Another surprising omission was of Yuvraj Singh who was recently called for the fitness test ahead of the Test series. It was highly speculated that he will find a place but that didn’t happen. At the same time, a few unexpected names that didn’t look in the contention for a place in the team also made the cut. 1. Suresh Raina: Suresh Raina. (Photo by Christopher Lee-IDI/IDI via Getty Images) Suresh Raina was the most surprising selection made by the newly-appointed selection panel. He has been off color in the limited overs format and was axed earlier this year. The Uttar Pradesh batsman was dropped for India’s last limited-overs’ series against West Indies in the USA. The left-handed batsman was a part of the Indian side during ICC World T20 but had a poor outing, managing just 41 runs in 5 matches. In the last ODI series appearance, all he could contribute was scores of 3, 0,0, 53 and 12. Keeping the latest omission in the mind, the chances of him making comeback looked skeptical. However, it seems that his past reputation and all-around capability made the selectors think that he deserved another chance to get back his mojo. 2. Mandeep Singh: India batsman Mandeep Singh. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images) Unlike Raina, Mandeep Singh is currently in a rich vein of form. Singh made his debut for India earlier this year against Zimbabwe in the T20I series and returned with scores of 31, 52 and 4 opening with KL Rahul. The Punjab opener also churned out runs in the recent India A tour in the quadrangular series against Australia A, National Performance squad, and South Africa. He along with Manish Pandey were the key batsmen for India A. Singh, opened the innings in al the match and accumulated 198 runs in 6 match at an average of 33 including a 95 which set up the title win for India A. All these numbers are good but it was an anticipated that his fellow India A teammate, Karun Nair, who was recently called into the test squad as a backup for Shikhar Dhawan would make the cut. But, it seems that the new selection panel has decided to reward his consistency. 3. Kedar Jadhav: India’s batsman Kedar Jadhav plays a shot during the third and final T20 cricket match. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images) Kedar Jadhav is perhaps the most surprising name included in the list. Kedar has played for the national team in the two series both against Zimbabwe. Both of his opportunity arose when regular wicket-keeper batsman Dhoni had opted to pull out of the series. Therefore, a general fan at least would have never thought that Jadhav would be even considered with Dhoni already available. One factor which may have influenced the decision to bring him in the team can be current form. Jadhav was the part quadrangular series, Jadhav was India A second highest run-getter with 254 runs at 63.50. With MS Dhoni in the squad and presence of other explosive hard hitters, Jadhav will have a tough chance of breaking into the starting XI. 4. Jayant Yadav: Jayant Yadav. (Photo Sourcel BCCI) Jayant Yadav made a cut into the team because frontline off-spinner Ravichandran was rested. Jayant, who was added to the Indian squad as the third spinner, was not all in the fray. Honestly speaking, Yadav has no substantial limited-overs credentials.Having been signed by Delhi Daredevils at the 2015 player auction, Yadav only played three matches in his first IPL season but was economical with an economy rate of 4.14. And, all reputation he has earned so far is with the red ball. 5. Hardik Pandya: Indian bowler Hardik Pandya. (Photo by MANJUNATH KIRAN/AFP/Getty Images) Hardik Pandya selection was definitely not expected considering his poor form. Pandya’s cricket career has been a roller-coaster ride where he has seen sudden highs and drastic low point. After grabbing the limelight by winning the 2015 IPL trophy with his franchise Mumbai Indians, he quickly broke into the team. But, unfortunately, he failed to emulate those sparkling all-round performances on regular basis. IPL 2016 was a dull affair for him and it seems that he would need som time to regain his old charm. But, he failed to capitalize the opportunity given to him during the recent quadrangular series where he could manage only 47 runs and 5 wickets in 7 Matches.

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5 Surprise picks in the Indian ODI squad for the series against New Zealand

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