Rohit and Virat return for T20
Newzdaddy Cricket Updates
Rohit Sharma to Captain India in Upcoming T20I Series
In a recent announcement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday, January 7, cricket fans received exciting news. Rohit Sharma is all set to lead the Indian cricket team in the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Afghanistan. This decision marks Rohit’s return to the shortest format of the game, alongside Virat Kohli. Both players last participated in the T20 World Cup semifinal against England at the Adelaide Oval in Australia in 2022.
Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson as Wicketkeeping Options
The squad selection for the T20I series includes some interesting choices, with Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson being picked as the two wicketkeeping options. This series holds significance as it is India’s final T20I series before the much-anticipated 2024 World Cup.
Notable Absences in the Squad
However, the squad is not without its omissions. Besides Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, who are recovering from injuries, several frontline players have not been selected. Notable absentees include Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. This decision provides an opportunity for other talented players to showcase their skills and make a mark in the team.
Pacers and Spin Options in the Squad
The bowling department sees a mix of experience and emerging talent. Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar are the three pacers in the squad, providing a variety of options for the captain. On the spin front, India boasts four capable options: Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. This well-rounded bowling attack aims to pose challenges for the Afghan batting lineup.
Cricket enthusiasts can mark their calendars as the three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to commence on January 11, with the first match to be held in Mohali. The cricketing world is eager to witness the return of Rohit Sharma as the captain and how the chosen squad performs ahead of the 2024 World Cup.
Countdown to the 2024 World Cup
With the T20I series serving as the last before the 2024 World Cup, it adds a layer of significance to each match. The performances of the players in this series will be closely scrutinized, as the team management looks to finalize the squad composition for the global tournament. The series against Afghanistan becomes a crucial stepping stone in India’s preparations for the World Cup.
India Squad
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.