Virat Kohli set to lead in all formats

Mumbai: Virat Kohli is set take full control of the Indian cricket team across all formats to carry forward the legacy of World Cup-winning former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The selectors, who meet here on Friday to pick the squad for the three-match ODI series and T20I series against England are expected to name Test skipper Kohli as full time captain for the limited overs cricket as well.

Dhoni stepped down as ODI and T20I skipper on Wednesday. His decision may be unexpected but his timing was perfect, as selectors had given the signal that Kohli was ready to take over the leading role in the shorter formats as well.

Dhoni has made himself available to play under a new captain so he still remains the best bet as a wicket keeper-cum batsman.

The selectors have a job in hands as many players are injured giving hope to fringe players to either make a comeback or break into the Indian team. BCCI’s chief executive officer Rahul Johri is expected to perform the duty of the board secretary in place of the sacked Ajay Shirke.

Key batsmen Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane who performed the openers’ role in the New Zealand ODI series are injured, which may result in recall for Shikhar Dhawan, if fit, K.L. Rahul missed the ODI series against New Zealand due to an injury and he too can fill the slot of an opener.

Suresh Raina’s comeback in the ODI team will be on the table, though he is expected to make into T20 squad without much fuss. Cheteshwar Pujara is also keen to play limited overs and his form in Tests and in the ongoing DY Patil T20 Cup makes him a good candidate for discussion.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t feature in the Ranji Trophy knockouts for Tamil Nadu citing injury and the selectors might not risk him. Ashwin who was rested for the ODI series against Kiwis, played all five Tests against England along with left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja and both may be rested for atleast one format. Spinners Jayant Yadav and Axar Patel are injured and their fitness remains a concern.

Experienced Amit Mishra is set to lead the spin bowling attack with the selectors having options in the likes of Shahbaz Nadeem, Kuldeep Yadav, Parvez Rasool if other premier spin bowlers are unfit.

Karun Nair, who replaced Rahane in the Test team, is also a good candidate for the ODIs. Maharashtra batsman Kedar Jadhav who performed the role of a slow bowler as well against Kiwis is set to retain his place along with Manish Pandey, Mandeep Singh and all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

Mohammed Shami is likely to be rested again for ODIs and Dhawal Kulkarni is injured. The selectors have options to recall either Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to form the pace attack with Jasprit Bumrah and Umesh Yadav.

The selectors can also spring a surprise by rewarding top performers in Ranji Trophy like Rishabh Pant, Priyank Panchal, Abhinav Mukund and all-rounder Deepak Hooda.

The India A squads for the two practice games against England will also be announced on the day.

The ODI series begins January 15.