Live Update: Ali Khan was recalled to the American ODI team after a three-year absence. The United States has named its squad for a three-series, four-match ODI assignment, recalling fast bowlers Ali Khan and Jasdeep Singh as they prepare for World Cup qualifying in February.
Ali Khan has been recalled to the US ODI team after a three-year absence (Source -Twitter/X) The USA has recalled veteran fast bowler Ali Khan to its 50-over squad after an absence of over three years as the team prepares for its final scheduled ODI pearance before the World Cup qualifiers in Africa in February. The 35-year-old last played in this format for the USA in the previous edition of the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Besides Khan, another fast bowler and former vice-caller Jasdeep Singh was also recalled after recovering from an injury layoff.
Singh had withdrawn from his previous international assignment in the US ahead of the Major League Cricket season in June. The two experienced pacers replace Rushil Ugarkar and teenage fast bowler Ritvik Pidi in the team. The United States begins its four-game series against the United Arab Emirates on Monday with two wins from the four remaining games in the next ten days, enough to secure first place in the League 2 World Cup standings.
This would bring their total to 23 wins in 36 games over a three-year cycle. Why is Ugarkar’s omission noticeable? Given his recent performances in this format, Rushil Ugarkar may regret missing out on this opportunity.
The 23-year-old took 12 wickets in six games at an economic rate of less than six, including a five-wicket haul to Dubai where he dismantled the United Arab Emirates’ top spot and helped regroup hosts Chely. His omission comes as selectors opt for the greater experience of Khan and Singh ahead of qualification. Former Pakistan international Ehsan Adil, also 35, retains his place and leaves the US with a fast-paced attack with considerable international experience.
The group is led by Saurabh Netravalkar. How does the batting unit view qualifying? Ctain Monank Patel, vice-spinner Sai Teja Mukkamalla, Shehan Jayasuriya and Milind Kumar are expected to form the core of the batting line-up once again.
Mukkamalla and Kumar have been particularly consistent in the current League 2 World Cup cycle, amassing over 1,100 points each with averages of 52 and 63 respectively. Monank hasn’t been the most productive in the last two ODI series, partly due to injuries, although he still amassed over 900 runs in the cycle at an average of 35. The upcoming games offer him the chance to get back into she before qualifying.
There is also an interesting selection at the top of the order, with Smit Patel, who has almost 900 runs in the competition at an average of 36, expected to take the opening wicketkeeper’s spot ahead of Shayan Jahangir, despite the latter’s strong T20 franchise form. Hard-hitting finisher Sanjay Krishnamurthi retains his place and has the highest strike rate among American batsmen in the competition (102). The all-rounders Harmeet Singh and Shubham Ranjane continue to ensure balance between the disciplines.
Longer term, Andries Gous and Amshi de Silva, who received a $100,000 bid from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the ILT20 auction after a standout MLC season, remain potential additions for February qualification. Complete USA squad for the ODI tri-series Smit Patel, Monank Patel (center), Shehan Jayasuriya, Sai Teja Mukkamalla (VC), Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Ehsan Adil, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shayan Jahangir, Yasir Mohammad, Ali Khan, Jasdeep Singh
