Indian T20I Squad for the Afghanistan Matches Will Be Revealed by BCCI today.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, featuring SS Das and Salil Ankola, is gearing up to announce the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. This crucial contest marks India’s final T20I assignment before the eagerly anticipated 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled for June in the USA and West Indies.
(image source BCCI TV)
Having triumphed 4-1 against Australia in November and drawing 1-1 against South Africa in a rain-affected series, led by Suryakumar Yadav, India is poised for the Afghanistan series starting from January 11. The matches are set to unfold at Mohali’s Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Indore on January 14, and Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium on January 17.
As reported by the Indian Express, the selection committee is convening on Friday to not only pick the squad for the T20Is against Afghanistan but also decide on the lineup for the first two Tests against England, commencing on January 25.
The Dilemma of Kohli-Rohit’s Return to T20Is
The spotlight on India’s T20 World Cup build-up revolves around the uncertain return of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the T20I format after a hiatus of 13 months. Having last played in the 2022 World Cup semifinal loss against England, their absence has fueled speculation regarding their availability for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
With the focus on the ODI World Cup in 2023, Rohit and Kohli were expected to make a T20I comeback during the South Africa tour. However, their extended break has raised questions about their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. While a PTI report suggests their desire to feature in the June World Cup, their inclusion in the Afghanistan series remains uncertain.
The Quest for a New Captain
The absence of Hardik Pandya, still recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the ODI World Cup in October, leaves a leadership vacuum. Suryakumar Yadav, who stepped in for Pandya against Australia and South Africa, is also sidelined with an ankle injury, sidelining him for at least a month.
The announcement of the India squad will likely unveil the new captain unless Rohit Sharma opts out as well. Ravindra Jadeja emerges as a potential option, having served as vice-captain in the South Africa series, although workload management for the upcoming England Test series may impact his selection. Ruturaj Gaikwad, a contender due to his leadership in India’s Asian Games gold medal win last October, is unfortunately sidelined with an injury.
Resting Key Bowlers: Bumrah and Siraj
In a bid to preserve their form for the impending series against England, Bumrah and Siraj, both instrumental in India’s Cape Town win, are likely to be rested for the T20Is against Afghanistan. The selectors are keen on ensuring their fitness for the extended series against England, starting later this month.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the BCCI’s squad announcement, the uncertainty surrounding Kohli, Rohit, and the new captain adds an extra layer of intrigue to India’s preparations for the Afghanistan clash and the looming 2024 T20 World Cup.