Zaheer, Sreesanth out of Windies tour

India suffered a twin blow ahead of their Test series in the West Indies with speedsters Zaheer Khan and S Sreesanth being ruled out of the squad due to injuries.

Zaheer and Sreesanth were named in the 16-member Indian squad for the Test series starting June 20 in Kingston but will now not be able to travel to the Caribbean as they need time for rehabilitation.

Abhimanyu Mithun and Praveen Kumar have been named in place of the injured duo for the three-match series that ends on July 10.

"Zaheer Khan and S Sreesanth have been ruled out of the forthcoming Test series against the West Indies. Zaheer has a right ankle problem, and Sreesanth has a right elbow problem. Both players will require some time off for rehabilitation," a media release from the BCCI said.

The BCCI, however, did not mention the time the duo will need to recover from their injuries. After the West Indies series, India will embark on a full tour of England next month with a four-match Test series starting on July 21.

The ruling out of Zaheer and Sreesanth for West Indies tour will further weaken the squad as Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh had already been left out due to injuries, while Sachin Tendulkar has opted out of the series.

Zaheer was rested from the ongoing five-match ODI series against the West Indies while Sreesanth was not picked. Both played in the IPL after the grueling World Cup.

Injury to the two speedsters could once again ignite the club versus country debate as the likes of Sehwag and Gambhir played in the IPL despite injuries.

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Windies coach wary of India challenge

India will pose a tough challenge in the limited overs series starting at the Queen's Park Oval on Saturday, feels West Indies coach Ottis Gibson.
"We had mixed results against Pakistan but we expect a tougher challenge from India, especially as they are the world champions. They would not be coming here as any push-overs, we've got to take the fight to them and ensure we come out victorious," Gibson said.

In the absence of regular skipper Dhoni, Suresh Raina has been named captain for the T20 and one-day series.

The team is without eight players from the victorious World Cup squad.

While Dhoni along with Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan have been rested, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh are down with injuries. Leg spinner Piyush Chawla and fast bowler S Sreesath were not considered for selection.

Gibson informed that captain Darren Sammy, who took little part in yesterday's practice session, is still overcoming a lower back injury and is doubtful for tomorrow's T20 game.

The former pacer acknowledged that the West Indian batsmen need to be more consistent.

"I know some of the batsmen have been making good strides in the nets with (batting coach) Desmond Haynes but it's only when they go out in the middle that they have to produce the goods," Gibson said.

Talking about the current squad, he said, "We are trying to blend the younger players with the established ones and we hope to see the fruits of that labour in the coming months." PTI AH SSC

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Ojha: Looking forward to Windies tour

Pragyan Ojha, India's slow left-arm bowler, says he is upbeat about touring the West Indies and believes he can make a difference.
By Sudheer Mahavaadi
In an exclusive chat, Pragyan Ojha shares his feelings and more on his selection for the tour to the West Indies.

SM: You must be happy to retain your place in the Test squad.

Pragyan Ojha: Yes, I am certainly delighted about it. I have been part of the Test squad for some time and I have always tried to give my hundred percent. And I am also happy the way I have progressed so far. But I would also like to be a part of one-day and T20 squad. I know I have to work even harder for that. I hope, with  consistency, I can make a comeback in one-day squad as well.

SM: This is going to be your second trip to the Caribbean. Are you eager and looking forward to the challenge?

PO: Yes, I was there before two years ago. The wickets were a bit fast then. But off late, the surfaces seem to be slowing down a bit. The spinners had great success in the recently-concluded series against Pakistan and I believe our spinners will also perform well. I am confident of delivering the goods.

SM: Are you working on any variations in your bowling?

PO: Yes, I have been working on a couple of variations and hope that will fetch me good results in the coming days. I want to stick to my basics and then try something extra. My main concentration is on my fitness and I am happy with it. I have also started my practice sessions. On Monday morning, I bowled to Laxman and when you can bowl well to such a great player you can certainly be confident of bowling better to others.

SM: Why is it that you are not able to cement a regular place in the team?

PO: Well, I have always given my hundred percent and tried to make the most of  the opportunities that have come my way so far. A lot of hardwork should be done - the competition is so high that once you lose place it becomes ever harder to make a comeback.

SM: You have had the chance of playing under three wicketkeepers-cum batsmen. Can you share anything?

PO: Well, I don't need to say anything about Dhoni bhai. He has been my main inspiration. Gilly (Gilchrist), of course, was superb as well - he too encouraged me a lot and Sangakara too is a great leader. It was unfortunate that, as a team, we failed in the IPL this time - but I hope we will jell better next time and produce good stuff. For a youngster like me, it has certainly been a great experience to play under these three. I have learnt a lot from them.

SM: After Windies, India will play in England. You must be aiming for a place there too?

PO: Let me first focus on this coming tour and perform up to the mark. I hope I will do that and get selected for England as well. It will be a dream-come-true to play there. Everyone says it is the right place to hone one's skills.

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