India vs West Indies semi-final: Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey likely to be included in playing XI: Sources

Shikhar Dhawan likely to be dropped

Ajinkya Rahane. (AP)

 

 

Mumbai: With Yuvraj Singh’s injury-forced ouster disturbing their settled line-up, India are likely to make two changes in the playing XI for their ICC World T20 semi-final against West Indies here on Thursday.

While several combinations have been suggested by experts, it has been learnt that there will be two changes in the team. While new-inclusion Manish Pandey is likely to replace Yuvraj, out of form opener Shikhar Dhawan will be dropped from the playing XI to accommodate Ajinkya Rahane.

Yuvraj, who has not got big runs but was involved in crucial stands with top performer Virat Kohli during the group stage matches, has been ruled out owing to an ankle injury that he sustained in the must-win game against Australia. Manish Pandey, not in the original 15, has been included to replace the all-rounder in the squad.

Two changes in such a big match is nothing short of a surprise for all who know Dhoni’s style of captaincy. He is a captain who doesn’t like much chopping and changing in the playing XI. But, it seems, his hand has been forced by Yuvraj’s injury.

According to the sources, Dhoni wanted to bring in left-arm spin all-rounder Pawan Negi but Team Director Ravi Shastri put his weight behind Rahane. In that scenario, the current development looks like a compromise formula.