India's World Cup squad: Yuvraj and Vijay left out; Jadeja and Binny make the cut

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-man squad for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. There were no surprises in the squad as MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Akshar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohanmmed Shami, Stuart Binny and Umesh Yadav were named. Mohit Sharma and Dhawal Kulkarni are the extras. [caption id=“attachment_1203661” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. BCCI[/caption] There were no surprises in the team — the only talking point being that Yuvraj Singh did not make their XI as the selectors put their faith in tried and tested players. There was also no place for regular Test opener Murali Vijay. There were initial doubts over Jadeja’s selection due to an injury but BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said that he would be fit in 10 days time. “Lot of players were discussed, not only Yuvraj Singh. After lots of deliberation we have selected this team. MS Dhoni and Duncan Fletcher were also part of the discussion,” Patel said. “Ishant has a niggle in the knee currently but will be fit for the World Cup,” added Patel. India have been pooled in Group B with South Africa, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, UAE and Ireland. The top four teams from both pools enter the Super Eight. India’s first match of the tournament is against arch rivals Pakistan on 15 February at the Adelaide Oval. The World Cup starts on 14 February — with New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka in Christchurch in the first match. Australia face off against England later on the same day in Melbourne. The final of the tournament will be held at the MCG on 29 March.