Pawan Negi not included in World T20 squad due to MS Dhoni's backing: Sandeep Patil

New Delhi: Pawan Negi's name came as the only surprise inclusion in India's 15-man squad for ICC World T20, however Sandeep Patil said the spinner wasn't included because he is liked by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Speaking at a press conference, Patil said that the spinner wasn't included because he played for Chennai Super Kings under Dhoni's captaincy in the past, but because he was a utility player who could also contribute with the bat.

Here is India's complete 15-man squad for ICC World T20:

MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Ajinjkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra, Pawan Negi, Mohammed Shami

The Asia Cup will be played in Mirpur from February 24 to March 6 while the World Twenty20 will be played from March 8 - April 3.