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In a significant development for Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli make their T20 International comeback after a hiatus of over a year, leading the squad in the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan. This series, scheduled just before the T20 World Cup in June, marks a crucial phase in India’s preparations for the global tournament.
Rohit Sharma, named the captain of the T20I squad, takes charge once again, while regular captains Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are sidelined due to injuries, providing an opportunity for the seasoned duo to lead the team ahead of the T20 World Cup. The absence of Pandya and Yadav, who took over captaincy duties in Rohit’s absence, creates a leadership vacuum, making Rohit and Kohli’s return all the more impactful.
The backdrop of Rohit Sharma and Kohli’s absence stems from their decision to prioritize Test cricket and ODIs following India’s semi-final exit in the T20 World Cup in November 2022. However, with the T20 World Cup approaching, their inclusion in the T20I squad signifies a strategic shift, aligning with India’s chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar’s visit to South Africa during the New Year’s Test. This move positions both stalwarts as vital components of India’s plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
The leadership transition in the T20I format has mostly seen Hardik Pandya at the helm since the 2022 T20 World Cup, and Suryakumar Yadav stepping in as captain during Pandya’s absence. However, both players are currently recuperating from injuries and are expected to make a comeback in the IPL in March. Suryakumar, who led India in recent T20Is against Australia and South Africa, is ruled out for a couple of months due to an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad is omitted from the squad as he continues to recover from a finger injury sustained in South Africa.
The 15-member squad sees no place for KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan opts out, citing the need for a break to refocus on his game. Kishan’s absence extends to his withdrawal from the two-Test series in South Africa for similar reasons.
Jitesh Sharma, a wicketkeeper who retained his spot from recent T20I series against Australia and South Africa, continues in the squad. Sanju Samson, absent from India’s T20I plans since touring Ireland in August last year, makes a comeback as his backup. Samson’s inclusion follows his impressive century during the ODI leg of the South Africa tour last month.
Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube secures another opportunity in T20Is after a noteworthy IPL 2023 performance, where he served as Chennai Super Kings’ spin-hitter in the middle overs. Dube, part of India’s second-string squad that won the Asian Games gold in October 2023, showcased versatility during the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy for Mumbai.
The absence of key players due to rest and injuries reflects strategic planning by the selectors. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are rested to manage their workload ahead of the upcoming five-Test series against England. Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja, the vice-captain during the South Africa T20Is, also miss out, with Jadeja recovering from a neck spasm that kept him out of the first Test against South Africa.
Deepak Chahar, initially named for the South Africa T20Is but missing due to a personal emergency, is excluded from the squad. Instead, the selectors maintain faith in Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar. The spin attack comprises Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Ravi Bishnoi.
Following the T20I series against Afghanistan on January 11, 14, and 17, India gears up to host England from January 25 to March 11. Post this series, players will disperse to join their respective IPL teams for the 2024 season, concluding just weeks before the T20 World Cup begins on June 1.
The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli adds a layer of experience and leadership to the squad, setting the stage for an intriguing T20I series against Afghanistan and laying the foundation for India’s pursuit of T20 World Cup glory.
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