Sehwag, Zaheer set to return for SL series

Virender Sehwag was not willing to comment on his selection for the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka later this month. “I’ve been to the NCA (in Bangalore) where I’ve undergone a fitness test. The physio’s report will be submitted to the selection committee. Let’s wait and watch,” Sehwag told reporters at a promotional event in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Sehwag has not played for the country since the CB series in Australia in March as he was laid low by a shoulder injury. Nonetheless, the selection committee, slated to meet here on Wednesday, is certain to recall him. The swashbuckling opener is a sure fire selection for India’s short tour of the island.

Also back will be Zaheer Khan. The seasoned pacer, who missed the Asia Cup and one-off Twenty20 fixture against South Africa, will unite with his new ball partner Umesh Yadav, who too had missed India’s last two international assignments.

Ajinkya Rahane, who was a revelation of sorts in the Indian Premier League, will also be back in the fold. The opener has played 11 ODIs in his burgeoning career.

There is, however, a question mark over the availability of Sachin Tendulkar. The master is currently holidaying in England, and the selectors have no information with regard to his availability.

The notable point of selection will be the retention of Virat Kohli as MS Dhoni’s deputy. The Delhi youngster was elevated as vice-captain for Asia Cup and he is likely to retain the position despite the return of the seniors.

The return of Sehwag, Zaheer and Yadav means a few fringe players will have to go out. Yusuf Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja will have sleepless nights. Praveen Kumar and Vinay Kumar will comprise the pace department, which means Irfan Pathan is not a certainty. However, the Baroda all-rounder may still hang on to his place as an all-rounder.

Meanwhile, sources say that Harbhajan Singh, discarded from the national squad, has an outside chance, though R Ashwin will be the first-choice spinner. Harbhajan will have to fight it out with Rahul Sharma for the second spinner’s slot.

Apart from a 15-member squad for the Lanka series, Kris Srikkanth & Co will also pick 30 probables for the ICC World Twenty20, scheduled to be held in September-October. Harbhajan, who had a reasonably good IPL, should have no problems finding his name in the probables. India will play five ODIs and a Twenty20 match in Sri Lanka from July 22 onwards.