India have gambled on the fitness of Mohammed Shami by including the injury-prone paceman in the 15-man squad for next month's World Twenty20 tournament.
The 25-year-old has not played international cricket since last year's 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where he took 17 wickets.
Shami underwent surgery on his injured knee after returning from that tournament last March and was named in the squad for the limited-overs series in Australia earlier this year, only to be ruled out with a hamstring problem.
India, who recently completed a 3-0 Twenty20 series sweep in Australia, will use the same squad for the T20 format Asia Cup against other countries from the region later this month.
"We have 30 days before we start the T20 World Cup," chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil told reporters.
"We have good time before taking a call on Shami.
"He's been one of our best bowlers. He has recovered, he has started bowling."
While batsman Yuvraj Singh and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh were picked for their experience, uncapped 23-year-old Pawan Negi was also included for his up-tempo left-arm spin bowling and power hitting capabilities lower down the order.
India have been pooled alongside Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and a yet-to-be-decided qualifier in Group 2 of the tournament, which they will host.
India open their campaign against the Black Caps in Nagpur on March 15.
Reuters
