07 June,2010 06:58 AM IST | | Debasish Datta
Star player Sachin Tendulkar is likely to skip the Asia Cup one-day tournament while the experienced Rahul Dravid is expected to make a comeback into the team.
MiD DAY has learnt that Tendulkar will not be available for the tournament, the team for which will be picked by the national selection committee today. Dashing opener Virender Sehwag, who missed the ICC World Twenty20 Cup due to injury, has fully recovered and the selectors will take a call after receiving a fitness report today.
The selectors are under pressure after picking a virtually second string team for the tour of Zimbabwe were the rookies failed to make it to the finals of the tri-nation series after losing both their matches to Zimbabwe.
The big surprise could be the return of Dravid. There is a question mark over the selection of Yuvraj Singh who has had a poor season so far. The selectors will decide on the left-hander's selection after considering the views of skipper MS Dhoni. If Yuvraj doesn't get the nod, then Dravid may be recalled. The main reason behind this move being the inability of the youngsters to play pace bowling. Also, in tendulkar's absence, there is a need for an experienced batting hand. Coach Gary Kirsten might also support Dravid's comeback. However, Dhoni's views on Dravid could prove decisive.
In the bowling department. Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan and Praveen Kumar appear certainties while the fourth pacer's slot is open.
