Team India's squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan is likely to be announced on Friday, January 5, 2024
Post the tour of South Africa, Team India begin 2024 with a home series against Afghanistan starting with three T20Is starting from January 11. The Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) are likely to announce the squad fon Friday. The series will be followed by a five-match Test series against Ben Stokes-led England on January 25. (IND Vs AFG Streaming | More Cricket News)
For the first time in over a year, senior duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could get a run-in in the shortest format, having reportedly made themselves available for selection.
Both players are keen to continue their T20 careers, keeping an eye on the T20 World Cup later this year. The duo last featured in a T20I back in the 2022 edition and have since played only Tests and ODIs.
However, the likes of Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav won't be available for the series, with their respective injuries. The unavailability of Pandya leaves the door ajar for a new skipper in the T20I format for Team India.
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Moreover, as per reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led committee might also rest the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah for the Afghanistan series. Sources suggest that the pace duo's rest is of utmost importance keeping in mind the England Test series that will last over five games.
India's T20I Series against Afghanistan will the the latter's first appearance on Indian soil in white-ball cricket. They had earlier toured India for a one-off Test match back in 2018. The first T20I will be held on January 11 at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. The second and the third T20Is will take place at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, and M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on January 14 and 17, respectively.