The national selectors have recalled veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to the Test squad for the one-off Test in Bangladesh at the expense of Ravindra Jadeja in the 15-member squad.
Despite not so convincing numbers in the last first-class season, Harbhajan could have benefitted from his timely contributions for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL. Chief selector Sandeep Patil said the presence of numerous left-handers in Bangladesh line-up was the key factor in picking the offie.
"The Bangladesh batting order has six left-handers, keeping that in mind, we discussed with the captain and we felt it was necessary to have a second offspinner," Patil said.
He also informed there were some other players were also considered before zeroing in on the experienced bowler with the captain's backing.
"I also want to point out we not only discussed Harbhajan. We also discussed other youngsters and considered them. Ultimately the selection committee and the captain felt this was the right choice for this particular tour," he added.
Yuvraj Singh was not considered
Not revealing the names who were under the discussion, Patil said the off-colored Yuvraj Singh was not considered.
"It will be difficult for me to say who all would be discussed. Those who we felt - the selection committee and captain felt - were discussed. There was no discussion about Yuvraj Singh," said Patil.
Patil said there had been "no emotional angles, emotional attachments" while picking the squads. "We look for the performances, the fitness and the combination - whether a bowler or batsman fits in that combination. Last two years we have been trying, we have made some mistakes, and may be, we will make some more mistakes, but we have to learn from the mistakes. Indian cricket has gone through transition period and we are just trying to settle down."
Bowling all-rounder Axar Patel also retained his place in the ODI squad along with Dhawal Kulkarni and Mohit Sharma.
#TeamIndia Test: Virat (C), Vijay, Shikhar, KL Rahul, Pujara, Rahane, Rohit, Saha, Ashwin, Harbhajan, Karn, Bhuvi, Umesh, Varun, Ishant
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 20, 2015
#TeamIndia ODIs for B'desh: MSD (C), Rohit, Rahane, Shikhar, Virat, Raina, Rayudu, Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar, Bhuvi, Umesh, Mohit, Binny, Dhawal
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 20, 2015
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