Team India has made a last-minute change in its squad for the ODI series against West Indies with star pacer Mohammed Siraj flying back to India with the rest of the Test specialists including R Ashwin, KS Bharat, Ajinkya Rahane and Navdeep Saini. Siraj, who played both the Test matches in the absence of both Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami has been surprisingly rested from the ODI leg of the multi-format tour of the West Indies in a Cricket World Cup year.
As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, Siraj has been rested by the BCCI to manage his workload in a busy year given there's an Asia Cup and three-match ODI series against Australia to follow before the big event. The BCCI, who hasn't given an official update on the same, is yet to name a replacement.
In Siraj's absence, the likes of Jaydev Unadkat, Umran Malik and Mukesh Kumar will share the pace bowling duties with Hardik Pandya for the support. Shardul Thakur is there in the ODI squad, however, is doubtful for the series opener after missing the second Test due to a groin injury.
Siraj wasn't part of the T20 squad for the West Indies series and hence will get ample rest before the Asia Cup. The 29-year-old pacer took 7 wickets in two Tests including a five-wicket haul in the second game in Port of Spain as he recorded his personal best figures of 5/60 in the longest format of the game.
Siraj's absence has given the Indian team a chance to test their bench strength as far as pace bowling stocks are concerned. Siraj has been outstanding with the ball in the 50-over format for India in the last 18 months having taken 43 wickets in 23 matches at an economy rate of less than 5. West Indies will hope to cash in on an inexperienced pace bowling attack of India now that Siraj is not there.
