That’s not the only change to the Indian squad from the one that played the ODI series in England recently.

Suresh Raina, the veteran middle-order batsman, and pacers Umesh Yadav and Siddarth Kaul have all been axed, and in their place three frontline players have been picked: Manish Pandey and Ambati Rayudu, who had good outings during the recent quadrangular series against Australia A and South Africa A, and Kedar Jadhav.

Also picked is uncapped left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed.

He was among the wickets in the quadrangular and also did decently on tour of England with the India A squad earlier this year, even picking up five wickets in two List A games against England Lions.

“We are closing in on those core group of players around whom the places will be revolving around here on till the World Cup. Two-three slots we are yet to finalise. So for those slots, we will be looking at these 24 matches (before the World Cup). Among that a seamer’s slot is available and we are looking at a left-handed option in Khaleel,” explained Prasad.

The tournament will be played from September 15 to 28 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, between Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and a qualifier. India’s campaign starts on September 18 against the qualifying team, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan the following day.