Two new names for India

Yusuf Pathan could make his one-day international debut for India © Getty Images

Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha was the only surprise inclusion in a 15-man squad announced by the Indian cricket board for the tri-nation series in Bangladesh.

Ojha, who showed much promise in several age group category tournaments as well as for India A against South Africa last year, was a rare consistent performer for the Deccan Chargers team in the Indian Premier League, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 25.81. Deccan chargers lost 11 of their 14 matches.

Ojha makes the cut due to the absence of Harbhajan Singh who is currently serving a five-match ban. Ojha is one among two regular spinners in the side. Piyush Chawla is the other.

Hard-hitting batsman Yusuf Pathan was also handed a maiden call-up to the one-day side. Yusuf could well play alongside his half-brother Irfan Pathan, who also makes his way back into the team. Yusuf has shown tremendous form for his team Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

Dilip Vengsarkar and his team of selectors otherwise kept faith in the team that won the tri-series in Australia last year. Virender Sehwag will partner Gautham Ghambir at the top of the order, while vice-captain Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa and Rohit Sharma would bolster the middle-order.

Medium pacer Praveen Kumar finds his name on the list along with Ishant Sharma although both players turned in mediocre performances for their teams in the IPL.

Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid again failed to make the cut, while Sachin Tendulkar had pulled out of the series due to a groin injury.

Pakistan is the third team in the series.

India squad: Virender Sehwag, Gautham Ghambir, MS Dhoni (captain), Yuvraj Singh (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma, Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Pragyan Ojha, Piyush Chawla, Irfan Pathan, S Sreesanth, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, RP Singh.