Amit Bhandari to join Indian squad

Amit Bhandari, the medium-pacer from Delhi, has been called up to join the Indian squad as its 17th member for the VB series in Australia.

A statement from the Indian board said, "The decision to send Bhandari was taken after a request from the team management to strengthen the bowling." The Selection Committee approved Bhandari's inclusion following a request from the Indian team management.

Bhandari last turned out for India in the Asia Cup that was held in Dhaka in 2000. He played only one game, against Pakistan, and returned figures of 2 for 75. He put on an impressive performance for India A in the recently concluded Kenstar tournament in Kolkata, which involved Sri Lanka A and Pakistan A. He picked up wickets at crucial junctures and had a tournament return of seven wickets at an average of 21. He also bowled well in the Challenger's Trophy earlier this year.

The Indians in Australia have been hampered by the injury to Zaheer Khan, which ruled him out of the VB Series. Ashish Nehra's poor run of form has also been a problem, and they fielded two rookies, L Balaji and Irfan Pathan, in the first game of the VB Series against Australia. The inclusion of Bhandari in the squad increases their options.