This is the reason why most of the senior players who played against Australia and South Africa at home have been retained in the 15-member team for Bangladesh, according to the secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India Karunakaran Nair.

Asked if some of the senior players could not have been given a break before the clash with Pakistan, Nair told reporters in Kolkata last evening that the selectors felt that the tour of Bangladesh would bring up a good opportunity for them to have practice before that.

There had been speculation in the media that some of the senior players might be rested and a few promising young players given a chance for Bangladesh tour.

The inclusion of 23-year-old Punjab paceman Gagandeep Singh in place of injured Ashish Nehra is seen in cricket circles here as the reward for his impressive performance in the domestic competitions this season. Singh has captured 25 wickets, including a hattrick, from three Ranji Trophy matches in last one month.