India's top cricketers including the big three--Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid --will not take part in the upcoming NKP Salve Challenger Trophy with the selectors deciding to rest them in view of the busy calendar ahead.
Apart from the three stalwarts, most of the other members of India's current ODI team such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, have also been rested from the limited overs tournament to be held in Ahmedabad from October 25 to 28.
Virender Sehwag, hoping to force his way back into the national team, has been named as captain of 'India Blue' team while another discard Mohd Kaif will lead the 'India Red' team. Wicket-keeper batsman Parthiv Patel will be at the helm of 'India Green' team.
All the players who have joined the rebel Indian Cricket League have expectedly not found a place in any of the three teams announced by BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah through a press release.
Although the release did not specify why the senior players were left out, a top BCCI source said it was done only to give them some rest ahead of the series against Pakistan and Australia.
{{/usCountry}}Although the release did not specify why the senior players were left out, a top BCCI source said it was done only to give them some rest ahead of the series against Pakistan and Australia.
{{/usCountry}}Pakistan are scheduled to visit India in November December for three Tests and five one-dayers which will be followed by the Indian team's tour of Australia.