Pandya, Rahul left out of 1st ODI amid recommendation of suspension

India will not be fielding Hardik Pandya and K.L. Rahul in Saturday’s ODI series-opener against Australia after Committee of Administrators (CoA) member Diana Edulji recommended a suspension pending inquiry for their controversial comments on women during a TV show.

READ| Kohli says Pandya's 'sexist' comments not reflective of team

A BCCI source said that Rahul was not considered for selection while Pandya will miss at least the game on Saturday. A final decision on the matter is still awaited.

“The team management has told Pandya that he is not playing tomorrow (Saturday) as they are yet to get a final directive. Rahul, in any case, wasn’t in contention for a first XI berth,” said a source close to the development.

Read: Vinod Rai recommends two-ODI ban for Pandya, Rahul

“The team management is waiting for an official communication on whether there is a provisional suspension and if they will be sent back,” he added.

On Thursday, COA chief Vinod Rai had recommended a two-match ban for Pandya and Rahul but colleague Edulji referred the matter to BCCI’s legal team.