5 Surprise selections in the Indian squad

The Indian selection committee led by chief selector Sandeep Patil met in Delhi and announced the squad for the upcoming ODI series and T20I series in Australia in the month of January. While the usual names were there in the list, the selection committee surprised the fans by naming some unpredicted inclusions in the squad. Here we take a look at the surprising selection in the Indian squad: 1. Brainder Singh Sran: Brainder Sran impressed everyone with his pace. (Photo Source: BCCI) Punjab’s left-arm fast bowler Brainder Singh Sran was arguably the most surprising selection in the list. The 23-year old left-arm seamer from Punjab would not have imagined that he will earn his maiden call-up to the Indian team so early. Brainder, who was a part of Rajasthan Royals this year, impressed everyone with his terrific speed. He may not break into the playing XI as Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav will be the first choice attack. He did well in the Ranji 2015-16 season, his selection was completely out of the blue. Brainder played seven Ranji games for his home side Punjab, picking up 18 wickets at 35.66. Also in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, the youngster impressed with 14 wickets in six matches. Also read: 11 Facts about Brainder Sran – The promising young face of Indian fast bowling 2. Hardik Pandya: Hardik Pandya – I love all formats. I want to do well in each and every format. (Photo Source: BCCI) Hardik Pandya, the young Baroda all-rounder who plays for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, is yet another surprise move from the selectors. Hardik first came into limelight due to his exploits in this year’s IPL for the Mumbai Indians and has also been giving decent performances for his domestic side, Baroda. India is indeed in search for a seam-bowling all-rounder as Stuart Binny has now faded out of contention. The 22-year-old can provide India with a good attacking option in the lower middle order. If he finds success, India may finally find a genuine, dependable seam bowling all-rounder after a long time. 12 Exciting facts about Hardik Pandya – The emerging star 3. Rishi Dhawan: An opening bowler and more than decent batsman. (Photo Source: Rishi Dhawan Facebook Page) Himachal Pradesh’s all-rounder Rishi Dhawan has been in the sights of the cricket fans for a while. Dhawan was a part of the India ‘A’ squad recently. He has also performed consistently in domestic cricket and IPL. But, it was not anticipated that he would make the cut and get his maiden call-up to the ODI team. Rishi Dhawan is primarily a medium pacer but has evolved as a seam bowling all-rounder with some good performances with the bat in recent times in domestic cricket. Dhawan could prove useful in helpful conditions down under which suits his style of play. He would surely not afford to miss this golden opportunity. 4. Ashish Nehra: Ashish Nehra still has the ability to do well in the shortest format .(© Getty Images) Ashish Nehra’s good work has not gone unnoticed. Nehra, 36, has defied all odds and earned the unexpected call-up to the national team. Nehra’s hard work and passion for the game finally bore fruits. He has consistently been an effective bowler in the IPL. With 22 wickets, he finished the tournament as the third highest wicket-taker in IPL 8 after Lasith Malinga and Yuzvendra Chahal. Nehra looks fit for a fast bowler in the mid-thirties. He has been running in well and the pace and swing are still good enough for the highest level. His inclusion brings along priceless experience which will surely bolster the Indian pace attack. He fell off the radar when he was at his peak due to a finger injury after the semi-final of the 2011 World Cup, against Pakistan, where he claimed 2 for 33 in his 10 overs. Ashish Nehra – The man who refuses to fade away 5. Manish Pandey: Manish Pandey has got his due chance. (Photo Source: BCCI) Manish Pandey went on tour as part of a second string ODI side for the Zimbabwe tour this mid-year. Pandey got only one game scored and 71 on his debut. Pandey has been in fine form for Karnataka this Ranji season which must have added weight to his case for the selection in the ODI team. It is surprising because the selectors ignored him for the subsequent home series against South Africa. Pandey, who loves to cut and pull, looks perfectly apt to play in the Australian conditions. This opportunity could probably help him justify his credentials as a limited-overs specialist and make his chances better to make it into the World T20 squad. 15 Interesting facts about Manish Pandey that you should know

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5 Surprise selections in the Indian squad

2. Hardik Pandya:

12 Exciting facts about Hardik Pandya – The emerging star

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