Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is in line to make his ODI debut for India as he has been included in the 12-member shortlist team announced by the BCCI for the first ODI against West Indies in Guwahati on October 21.
The 21-year-old, who impressed with his batting in the two-match Test series against Windies, has been rewarded for his performance and included in the team along with the regular wicketkeeper MS Dhoni.
Pant scored 184 runs in his last two innings at an average of 92 in the longest format of the game. The two half-centuries came just after he scored his maiden hundred in the 5th Test against England at the Oval.
Apart from Pant, Umesh Yadav has also been included in the 12-member team, as he looks to play his first ODI since July, 2018. The right-armer was not included in the original squad for the first 2 ODIs but made his way due to Shardul Thakur’s injury. Besides Umesh, Mohammed Shami and Khaleel Ahmed are the two other seam options named by the team management.
In spin department, Ravindra Jadeja, who impressed with his comeback in the Asia Cup 2018, has been named in the team, along with Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.
India’s 12-member team for 1st ODI against West Indies:
Virat Kohli (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Khaleel Ahmed
