Rahul returns for Aus ODIs

Batsman KL Rahul returned to India's squad on Friday for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia after being sidelined for sexist comments during a controversial TV show appearance.

Teammate Hardik Pandya spoke about his multiple encounters with women in the chat show aired last month as Rahul sat next to him, prompting an uproar on social media that led to the duo's suspension.

While their ban was lifted last month and Pandya returned to the Indian XI in New Zealand, Rahul had to prove his batting form for India A against England Lions in two unofficial Tests.

Rahul has been named in both the one-day and Twenty20 squads announced by the country's cricket board.

Skipper Virat Kohli also returned to lead the side in two T20 matches starting February 24, followed by five ODI games.

Meanwhile, senior wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik was dropped from the ODI team while Rishabh Pant got the go-ahead, indicating that he could be a part of India's World Cup scheme.

 Fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar missed the first two ODI's but will return for the remaining three matches.

Rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande takes the place of new spin ace Kuldeep Yadav in the T20 squad.