After a break of over a year from T20 Internationals, cricket enthusiasts can rejoice as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli make a comeback in the three-match series against Afghanistan. This return not only strengthens the squad but also raises hopes for their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for June. The last time fans saw them in action was during India’s semifinal loss in the T20 World Cup in Australia in November 2022.
In a significant development, Rohit Sharma has been named the captain for the series, taking over from Hardik Pandya, who is currently sidelined due to injuries. However, it remains uncertain whether Rohit will continue to lead once Hardik, recovering from his injury issues, is fit. The selectors have opted for a full-strength squad despite notable absentees like Suryakumar Yadav and Ruturaj Gaikwad, both sidelined due to injuries.
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Suryakumar Yadav, who captained the team in Hardik’s absence during the series against Australia and South Africa, also misses out due to injury. The team selection, overseen by chief selector Ajit Agarkar during the South Africa Test series, emphasizes the importance of IPL form ahead of the T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies.
Rohit Sharma’s aggressive performances at the top of the order during the recent 50-over World Cup have been instrumental, making it difficult for selectors to overlook his form. Kohli’s sublime touch in ODIs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI centuries during the World Cup, further solidifies the team’s batting lineup. With a T20 strike rate of 129.24 for Rohit and 137.96 for Kohli, their inclusion enhances India’s chances in the shorter format.
The selectors have made strategic decisions, resting pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah to ensure their freshness for the upcoming five-match Test series against England at home. Spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has also been given a break. With Hardik Pandya’s unavailability, Mumbai’s Shivam Dube gets the nod, adding depth to the squad.
The absence of KL Rahul in the squad raises eyebrows, considering his consistent performances as an opener in T20 Internationals. However, with the top-order slots occupied by Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kohli, and Rohit, the selectors see Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson as better-suited finishers, leaving Rahul out of the current mix. The upcoming IPL is expected to be a crucial battleground for wicketkeeper slots leading up to the T20 World Cup.
As the team gears up for the series against Afghanistan, fans eagerly await the return of Sharma and Kohli, hopeful that their contributions will pave the way for India’s success in the T20 format and, potentially, the upcoming World Cup.
