HAVE ENOUGH AMMUNITION FOR THE WORLD CUP, SAYS SHASTRI

NEW DELHI: India are a flexible side with enough ammunition in their arsenal going into the World Cup, says head coach Ravi Shastri, making it clear that combinations would depend on conditions. When Vijay Shankar was picked in the 15-man squad, it was assumed that the Tamil Nadu all-rounder could bat at the crucial number four position but Shastri said there were many options for that slot. “We are a flexible team. It’s horses for courses, we have got enough ammunition. We have got enough players who can bat at 4. So, I am not really worried about that,” Shastri said. “I think we have got all bases covered. Last thing you want is passengers on the tour. You want to have in those 15 players ... who can play anytime, at any given time.”

Saha back in the mix with India A call-up

NEW DELHI: Wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha is back in the scheme of things for India in the longer format after being named in the A squad alongside Rishabh Pant for the West Indies tour comprising five one-dayers and three four-day games beginning July 11. The selectors also announced the squads for the home series against Sri Lanka A beginning May 25. Jharkhand wicketkeeper batsman Ishan Kishan will lead India A in the two four-day games in Belgaum and Hubli while Gujarat’s Priyank Panchal will captain the side in five one-dayers beginning June 6 in Hubli. Test regulars including R Ashwin, Cheteswar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Umesh Yadav have not been picked as they are likely to play county cricket.

Sachin, Laxman depose before BCCI ethics officer NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman desposed before the BCCI Ethics Officer (Justice) DK Jain on their alleged Conflict of Interest case. Tendulkar’s deposition began at 10.30 am and ran till 3.30 pm, delaying VVS Laxman’s deposition, which was to begin at 2.30 pm, by an hour. The complainant Sanjeev Gupta also deposed. The next hearing will be held on May 20 and all parties have been asked to provide written submissions. The parties have been told not to discuss the matter outside. Both Tendulkar and Laxman are members of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) and are also associated with IPL franchises Mumbai Indians (as icon) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (mentor), respectively.