On Sunday, January 07, BCCI announced the 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. In this squad Indian captain Rohit Sharma has marked his return to the T20I side along with the star India batter Virat Kohli. Both Kohli and Rohit will be playing their first T20I match since T20 World Cup 2022.
There was significant anticipation surrounding the inclusion of the two senior players in the T20I squad for the upcoming World Cup, as the team management aimed to overhaul the side. Despite the uncertainty, the duo, showing eagerness to participate in the format, currently stand as the top two leading run-scorers in T20Is.
Due to ankle injuries sidelining Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, the team management had to appoint a new captain for the three-match series, placing their trust in a seasoned batter. The comeback of Kohli and Rohit serves as a relief for their fans, alleviating concerns about the potential conclusion of their T20I careers.
The inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson in the squad follows his impressive century in the third ODI against South Africa. It’s worth noting that Samson, who last participated in T20Is during the Ireland tour in August 2023, has now earned a spot in the team.
Avesh Khan makes a comeback to the squad after being absent from the South Africa T20Is, while Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are rested. All-rounder Shivam Dube, who last played in the Asian Games 2023, has also earned a call-up. Dube, with 18 T20Is under his belt, has contributed 152 runs and got 6 wickets in his T20I career.
ICC Reveals The Schedule Of 2024 T20 World Cup, Know The Date Of India vs Pakistan Clash
The first TWO between both the teams will be played on January 11, while second will be playing on 14th followed by the third contest on January 17.
India’s squad for 3 T20Is vs Afghanistan:
Rohit Sharma (C), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar
