Sad news for die-hard fans of the little master, as the squad for the Lankan series was announced today. Sachin Tendulkar opted out of the squad for the series against Sri Lanka. The Five ODIs and a T 20 match will commence from July 21. Young Mumbai batsman Ajinkya Rahane has replaced Tendulkar. The master blaster played only two ODI series since the 2011 World Cup and is now a Rajya Sabha MP, made himself unavailable for selection for the Lanka tour.

Inspite of controversies versatile opener Virendra Sehwag and pace bowler Zaheer Khan find their place in the squad. Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has been included, in place of out-of-form all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Bhajju has been ignored once again and Rohit Sharma retained.

"We have the best available team. Sachin is not available. I think it is a very good side which has very strong batting line-up and good bowlers and we are confident that it will do well in Sri Lanka," chairman of selection committee Krishnamachari Srikkanth told reporters after announcing the squad.

Indian Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Capt), Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kohli (Vice Capt), Gautam Gambhir, R Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Ashok Dinda, Suresh Raina, Vinay Kumar, Rohit Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Ajinkya Rahane, Manoj Tiwary, Rahul Sharma. (With inputs from internet- AW AarKay)