The BCCI announced the Indian roster for the T20I series against Afghanistan this Sunday. Notably, veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are returning to T20 internationals for the first time since the 2022 World Cup. Although they've been consistent in longer formats, they have rejoined the T20 setup ahead of the World Cup in the West Indies and USA this June. Rohit will lead the team in the three-match series, starting Thursday, January 11, at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s squad for the T20I series against Afghanistan on Sunday, with veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli making their first appearances in T20Is since the 2022 World Cup. The pair had been regulars in the squads in ODIs and Tests, but they reverted to the shortest format months before this year’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in the West Indies and the United States in June. Rohit will lead the Men in Blue in the three-match series, starting January 11, Thursday at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.
With so many talented young players emerging, many wondered if Rohit and Kohli would ever return to the T20 format. However, the BCCI decided to bring back the senior duo to fill the void left by the injured Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal remain in the squad, but Ishan Kishan has been excluded. Stepping in for him is Sanju Samson, whose recent century in the final ODI against South Africa highlighted his current form. Additionally, wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma has managed to hold onto his spot.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar, while Prasidh Krishna misses out following a dip in T20 form. The spin department will be managed by Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi, as senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been given a break.