Few surprises in Board President's squad

Those on the comeback trail, players who have done well around the domestic circuit and the youth who did the country proud in Sri Lanka. All have been given their due by the selectors who on Saturday announced the Board President's XI to play South Africa in a three day game at Mumbai from February 19.

Among those on the comeback trail, Md Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja and Nayan Mongia find a berth. Jadeja in fact is to lead the side. From among those who have done well in domestic games, J Arun Kumar, Amit Bhandari, Wasim Jaffer and Murali Kartik have been rewarded. And from the victorious under-19 World Cup team, Reetinder Sodhi and Md Kaif find a place in the squad.

The selectors have not turned their backs totally on those who were on duty during the just concluded tour of Australia. Debashish Mohanty, T Kumaran, Jacob Martin and Harbhajan Singh are in the side in which Sadagopan Ramesh also finds a place. It is expected that the Tamil Nadu opener, who was injured in the final Test against Australia will be fit in time for the first Test, to be played at Mumbai from February 24.

"We have gone in for a mix of youth and experience," chairman of the selection committee Chandu Borde said while announcing the side. "Everyone on this team is under consideration for a place in the Indian side." And while it certainly is a well balanced outfit, one wonders whether a place could not be found for Vinod Kambli, another in form player on the comeback trail.