The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the squad for the upcoming IDFC First Bank T20 International series against Afghanistan. The notable return of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli adds excitement to the T20 series. However, the absence of star pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj suggests a strategic move by the selectors. As India gears up for the T20 international series against Afghanistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made strategic changes to the squad. Here’s a closer look at the notable inclusions and exclusions and what they signify for Team India’s preparations.
Return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, are set to make their return to the T20 format after an absence of 14 months. The skipper, Rohit Sharma, is expected to lead the side, signaling a positive move ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Kohli’s comeback adds firepower to the batting lineup, bringing experience and a stellar track record. His form in 2023 has been exceptional, and fans can anticipate his aggressive and impactful presence in the series.
Rest for Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj
The Indian pace battery, featuring Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, has been rested for the Afghanistan T20 series. This strategic move by the selectors aims to provide crucial rest to the key pacers who have delivered impressive spells, especially in the recent series against South Africa. The decision to manage their workload is part of a broader strategy to keep the fast bowlers fresh and injury-free, considering the packed international calendar.
The squad against Afghanistan reflects a balanced combination of seasoned players and emerging talents. Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, and Avesh Khan represent the younger generation, offering them opportunities to showcase their skills and gain crucial experience. The inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma aligns with the team management’s focus on providing exposure to young talents ahead of the T20 World Cup 2023.
Also Read: Heartbreak for Indian Cricket Fans: Mohammad Shami Out of T20Is Against Afghanistan – Sources
The Afghanistan T20 series serves as India’s final assignment before the T20 World Cup 2024. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s leadership in the bilateral series signals a positive intent, hinting at his commitment to white-ball cricket. Virat Kohli’s return adds a fresh dynamic to the squad. While there were speculations about his potential exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad, his inclusion in the Afghanistan series indicates an ongoing evaluation of team combinations by the selectors.
Earlier reports hinted at the selectors considering keeping Virat Kohli away from the T20 World Cup squad due to various factors, including batting combinations. However, the final decision is yet to be confirmed, and Kohli’s presence in the Afghanistan series suggests that the selectors are keeping their options open. The inclusion of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the Afghanistan series implies that the final call for the T20 World Cup squad might witness a dynamic interplay of experience and youth, with the two senior players leading the charge.
IND vs AFG T20I Series: Team India and Afghanistan Squad
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar.
Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan.