Middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane was yesterday named captain of a second-string Indian team for a short limited-overs tour of Zimbabwe as the selectors rested key players including captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

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Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja and Umesh Yadav were the other regulars not picked for the tour that comprises three one-day and two T20 games.

The decision to make Rahane captain was a bit surprising as he was dropped for the crucial second ODI of the series against Bangladesh, which India went on to lose. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni had said that Rahane’s batting on slower pitches left a lot to be desired.

But on Monday, chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil said that since many seniors were being rested, Rahane was the most suitable candidate for the captain’s role as he has been ‘consistent’.

“We are happy with the way his career is shaping up. He has been the most consistent batsman for India and we want to see his other aspects. So, we have given him this opportunity and we will keep backing him,” Patil explained.

There was another surprise in the form of veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who turns 35 on Friday, being included in the 15- man squad even though he has not played one-day cricket for India since 2011 and T20 matches since 2012.

All matches will be played in Harare, with the one-dayers scheduled for July 10, 12 and 14, and the Twenty20 games on July 17 and 19.

Patil said that the team had been picked keeping in mind the 2016 World T20 and also the need to rest some players.

“The Indian team did not do well in Bangladesh, we felt the same. But we have to move forward and considering the domestic cricket to be played, we have picked this side, looking at the 2016 T20 World Cup,” Patil said. “We have decided to rest a few players, who need it urgently.”

Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara has been selected to lead the India ‘A’ side for the two four-day matches against Australia ‘A’ in July-August.

The 27-year-old Pujara will lead a team full of both experience and youth. Up and coming talents like Karnataka batsman Lokesh Rahul, Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer, and Tamil Nadu all-rounder Baba Aparajith have been given a chance.

The bowling department will be bolstered by quicks Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron, and spinners Amit Mishra and Pragyan Ojha.