Team India’s Under 19 World Cup hero Shubman Gill has earned his maiden India call. He will replace KL Rahul, who was sent back home from Australia following a major controversy that started with his appearance in a talk show.
All-rounder Vijay Shanker has been recalled in the squad as Hardik Pandya’s replacement, who, too, is under fire along with KL Rahul.
On late Friday night, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a statement that Rahul and Pandya have been suspended with immediate effect from Team India squad.
ICYMI!
Shubman Gill and Vijay Shankar have been called up to India’s limited-overs squads in place of the suspended Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul.
➡️ https://t.co/45SqgJ7Uwb pic.twitter.com/Xfeh12xPUg
— ICC (@ICC) January 13, 2019
The duo has been asked to return from Australia after their “sexist” comments in the television chat show Koffee With Karan hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar.
The 27-year-old Vijay will join Men-in-Blue before the start of the second One Day International (ODI) in Adelaide. Vijay will also be a part of the squad for the ODI series in Australia and the tour to New Zealand.
Shubman Gill has been picked for India’s tour to New Zealand. The young batsman has been included in the squad for the ODI and T20I series against New Zealand.
On Saturday, Aaron Finch-led Australia thrashed India by 34 runs in the series opener of three-match ODI series. The match was played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The next ODI will be played on Tuesday at the Adelaide Cricket Ground.