Indian star reported for suspect bowling action, RR announce new coach and more - Cricket News Today, 13th January 2019

Welcome to Sportskeeda's Cricket News Today. This is a section that covers a summary of the trending news topics of the day in the world of cricket.

A lot of other things happened in the world of cricket over the last 24 hours. Let's take a look at all the top news from today.

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Shubman Gill and Vijay Shankar included in the Indian team

Batsman Shubman Gill and all-rounder Vijay Shankar have been called into the Indian side for the ODI series against Australia and the subsequent tour of New Zealand as a replacement for the suspended duo of Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul.

Both Hardik and Rahul were banned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from playing any form of cricket which comes under them or any state associations and ordered them to return home mid-way through the ongoing tour of Australia. The duo won't take part in the tour of New Zealand as well.

Vijay will join the team in Australia ahead of the second ODI while Shubman, who has got his maiden national call-up, will join them in New Zealand ahead of the ODI series.

Talking to Sportskeeda in an exclusive chat about his call-up, Shubman said, "I was about to sleep at night and I suddenly got a storm of messages on WhatsApp from my friends and reporters. And then I went to check what happened and then got to know that myself and Vijay Shankar are replacing Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul. I went and told my dad and he was very happy."

"Obviously, I am feeling very happy and very special about the call-up. I am really looking forward to being in New Zealand with the team," he added.

Rajasthan Royals appoint a new coach

Paddy Upton with Sachin Tendulkar during the 2011 ICC World Cup

Ahead of the 2019 IPL, Rajasthan Royals have appointed Paddy Upton as their new coach. The former Indian conditioning coach is set to return to the franchise where he was the head coach for four years, reaching the semi-finals of the IPL in 2013.

"It gives us immense pleasure to announce Paddy joining the team. We welcome him back to the Royals Family. Paddy is someone who is well versed with the culture of Rajasthan Royals and he knows what it takes to achieve success in international sport at the highest level," said Manoj Badale, owner of Rajasthan Royals.

Upton has guided and mentored several franchise teams across the globe, be it in IPL, Big Bash League, Pakistan Super League, or international cricket. His biggest achievement came with the Indian Cricket team as he was a part of the 2011 World Cup side as a mental conditioning coach.

Ambati Rayudu reported for suspect bowling action

Ambati Rayudu bowled two overs in the first ODI against Australia

Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu has been reported for suspect bowling action during the first ODI of the ongoing India-Australia series. In the absence of Kedar Jadhav, skipper Virat Kohli turned to Rayudu for the sith bowler's quota and the right-hander obliged his skipper and bowled two overs before he was taken off the attack.

He will now be required to undergo testing within the next 14 days but he can still continue bowling during the testing period at the international level as his action will be scrutinized by the ICC.

According to an ICC release, Rayudu's case came to the fore after the match officials, post the conclusion of the first ODI, handed a report to the Indian team, raising concerns about his bowling arm.

MSK Prasad praises Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant after his 159 at SCG

India's chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad has praised wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and has insisted that the southpaw is still in the plans for the 2019 World Cup. After being dropped/rested for the ongoing ODI series against Australia and the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand, there were doubts over Pant's availability for the World Cup but the former India stumper has put those doubts to rest.

"Rishabh Pant played three T20s and four Test matches in Australia and that had an impact on his body. He needed complete rest for two weeks and then we will take a call on how many matches he will play against England Lions. Let me put it straight, he is very much in our World Cup plans. He is a champion player in the making and even he is not fully aware the kind of potential he has," Prasad told PTI in an exclusive interview.

Pant will play in the List A series against England Lions which will get underway later this month.