Ali Khan returns as USA enter crucial ODI stretch

Ali Khan is back in USA’s ODI squad after more than three years away, recalled ahead of the team’s final 50‑over assignment before February’s World Cup Qualifiers in Africa. The 35‑year‑old, last seen in the format during the previous qualifying cycle in Zimbabwe, returns alongside fellow seamer Jasdeep Singh, who has recovered from injury. Their inclusion strengthens an ageing pace group led by Saurabh Netravalkar, with Ehsan Adil also retained.

Rushil Ugarkar and teenager Ritvik Appidi make way despite Ugarkar’s strong recent form. In the batting unit, captain Monank Patel, vice‑captain Sai Teja Mukkamalla, Shehan Jayasuriya and Milind Kumar remain central, with Mukkamalla and Kumar both surpassing 1,100 runs in League 2. Finisher Sanjay Krishnamurthi keeps his spot, while Smit Patel may edge Shayan Jahangir for the wicketkeeper‑opener role. USA need two wins from four upcoming ODIs to secure top position before the qualifiers begin.