Laxman, Kartik back in squad for tri-series

Three members of the 2003 World Cup team, for different reasons, have been left out of the squad for first three matches of the upcoming triangular series. While Dinesh Mongia’s was an expected omission after an unimpressive World Cup, Ashish Nehra has still not recovered from his ankle surgery and Sanjay Bangar appears incompatible with the Indians’ plans. The slots have been filled up by VVS Laxman, Avishkar Salvi and Murali Kartik.

Bangar, despite being a tourist during the Cup, probably deserved his place. In the last few chances he got to impress the selectors, he played brilliantly — at home against the West Indians just before the World Cup. This comes as a second shock for Bangar, after first losing the Test opener’s slot despite performing with distinction.

THE TEAM

Saurav Ganguly (captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Mohammed Kaif, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Parthiv Patel, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Murali Kartik, Ajit Agarkar, Avishkar Salvi, Zaheer Khan. Story continues below this ad

Laxman’s fine form in Tests has seen him making it to the ODI squad. While that’s fair, it comes as another setback for Hemang Badani, who has scored runs in virtually every domestic game he has played in recent times.

The ODI squad will also see the spin trio of Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and Murali Kartik jostle for the available slots.