As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the T20I squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan, the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the format added to the excitement. The absence of KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan raised eyebrows, making way for Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma in the squad. Speculations are rife about the playing XI, with key questions surrounding the opening combination and the middle order.
Opening Pair: Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Captain Rohit Sharma is expected to open the innings alongside the promising left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rohit’s experience and Jaiswal’s aggressive style could form a formidable opening combination.
Virat Kohli at No. 3 and Sanju Samson at No. 4?
With Shubman Gill in the squad, the pivotal question arises: will Virat Kohli reclaim his preferred No. 3 spot? If Kohli takes this position, Gill might find himself on the sidelines. Sanju Samson is a strong contender for No. 4, given his aggressive batting style.
Strong Middle-Order: Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh
The middle-order is likely to feature power-hitters Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh. Their ability to provide a strong finish will be crucial for India in the absence of certain regulars.
All-round Prowess: Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel
Washington Sundar and Axar Patel are anticipated to fill the roles of all-rounders in the lower middle-order. Their dual skills with both bat and ball add depth to the team.
Pace Combination: Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh are likely to lead the pace attack. Their ability to generate pace and take crucial wickets will be vital.
Specialist Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi
Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi are expected to be the specialist spinners, bringing his spin wizardry to the fore. Their variations and wicket-taking ability makes them a valuable asset in the T20 format.
Also Read: India Playing XI for 1st T20 against Afghanistan: No Gill-Jaiswal; Rohit-Kohli to Open
India’s Predicted Playing XI against Afghanistan
– 1. Rohit Sharma (c)
– 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
– 3. Virat Kohli
– 4. Sanju Samson
– 5. Tilak Varma
– 6. Rinku Singh
– 7. Washington Sundar
– 8. Axar Patel
– 9. Mukesh Kumar
– 10. Arshdeep Singh
– 11. Kuldeep Yadav