The Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis, left, celebrates the wicket of Irfan Pathan (unseen) in Karachi.  Mendis took six wickets.
The Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis, left, celebrates the wicket of Irfan Pathan (unseen) in Karachi. Mendis took six wickets.

Captain may opt out of Sri Lanka series



MUMBAI // Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh are expected to return for India when national selectors meet to pick the team for the three-Test series against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Tendulkar, who opted out of the triangular one-day series in Bangladesh and the Asia Cup in Pakistan because of a hamstring injury, has been declared fit and is certain to take his place in the Test side. The off-spinner Harbhajan is available for selection after serving a five-match ban for slapping India teammate Sreesanth during an Indian Premier League match.

India's one-day captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, however, is likely to be absent from the series. The wicketkeeper batsman has been playing non-stop since leading the Chennai Super Kings to the final of the IPL and, according to a report, may decide to take a break. Dhoni recently voiced his unhappiness over the hectic schedule of the Asia Cup. Should he not play, his place is likely to be filled by Dinesh Karthik.

India will also play five one-day internationals following the three Tests. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Colombo on July 23. * Reuters

Game Changer

Director: Shankar 

Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram

Rating: 2/5

The bio:

Favourite film:

Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

Heidi: The Long Kiss Goodnight.

Favourite holiday destination:

Declan: Las Vegas but I also love getting home to Ireland and seeing everyone back home.

Heidi: Australia but my dream destination would be to go to Cuba.

Favourite pastime:

Declan: I love brunching and socializing. Just basically having the craic.

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Personal motto:

Declan: Take chances.

Heidi: Live, love, laugh and have no regrets.

 

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