Selectors aim to solve Yuvraj riddle

Meanwhile,Virender Sehwag is fit after recuperating from a shoulder injury and NCA physiotherapist Paul Close has submitted his report to the board. Sehwag has already started batting at the nets,and with 15 days to go before the first India game,is expected to be match ready with a few club games. Praveen Kumar has also recovered from a side strain while Zaheer Khan’s niggle,too,has healed.

According to sources,the selectors are likely to adopt a 8-5-2 combination,preferring a fifth pacer keeping in mind the conditions in Dambulla that favour swing bowling,especially under the lights. However,the selectors might also add a 16th player to the squad.

“Fifteen or sixteen…we will decide on the floor,” said BCCI secretary N Srinivasan.

Dravid,again?

Speculation was rife that Sachin Tendulkar might pull out of the Asia Cup. Asked,East Zone selector Raja Venkat said: “I have also heard this,but don’t have any official information.”

With the challenging conditions requiring technique against fast bowling — and youngsters not quite performing — it might open a window for Rahul Dravid. It is learnt that at least two selectors want the veteran batsman back in the ODI team.