India (IND) vs Afghanistan (AFG), T20I squad selection Live Updates: After leaving the fans hanging on January 5, the fans are eagerly waiting to see if the squad for the Afghanistan T20I series will be announced on Saturday. The big question will be the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the side and if the former will lead the side.
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: Kohli, Rohit to be part of the series
According to the latest report from India Today's Nikhil Naz, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are all set to be part of the series against Afghanistan.
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: Gavaskar has no doubts over Kohli's limited-over batting prowess
Sunil Gavaskar has no doubts when it comes to Kohli's batting prowess in the limited-overs game as the star batter remains in contention for the T20 World Cup 2024.
"Kohli's form has been outstanding in the last 1.5 years. He played unbelievably in the 2023 World Cup, making 750 runs with 3 centuries. So there is no doubt about his limited-overs batting," said Gavaskar to Star Sports.
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: BCCI announce India A squad for England Lions tour
While we still wait for the squad announcement for the Afghanistan T20Is, BCCI has revealed the India A squad for the 2-day warm-up fixture & first multi-day game against England Lions. Abhimanyu Easwaran will be leading the side with Sai Sudharsan and Sarfaraz Khan in the team as well.
Jan 6, 2024 15:00 IST
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: Time for Virat to return as well
Like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli also played T20Is since the semi-final of the T20 World Cup. Kohli was the top run-getter in the T20 tournament on Australian soil, but having not played in the format since November 22, he needs time on the ground before the next edition of the tournament.
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: Suryakumar to miss series
The big blow for India will be missing the services of Surykumar Yadav during the Afghanistan series. The Indian T20I star is reportedly still recovering from the ankle injury he suffered during the series against South Africa.
''Surya has reported to NCA for rehab work and the Medical Science team as of now has ruled him injured. He won't be able to play against Afghanistan which starts in three weeks time. Since he is unlikely to be selected for Tests, he will possibly play for Mumbai in Ranji TRophy in February to check his fitness before playing in the IPL,'' a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: Necessity for Rohit to be back
Rohit Sharma hasn't played a single T20I since taking part in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final against England. With the upcoming T20 World Cup only five months away, it's high time that Rohit starts playing in the format to get himself in shape.
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: Pant will walk into T20 WC side
Another big question is about Rishabh Pant and if the wicketkeeper-batter will make it to the side for the T20 World Cup.
Sanjay Manjrekar feels Pant would walk into the side if he does have a full IPL.
"Rishabh Pant surely walks into the Indian side if he is fit and is able to play the full IPL season," Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: Irfan Pathan wants Kohli, Rohit at T20 WC
Irfan Pathan has explained why he wants to see both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at the T20 World Cup.
The former cricketer said that a few pitches in USA and West Indies that are unknown commodities and India would need the experienced duo in that case on and off the field.
"Personally, I would like to see Virat on the pitch because when we talk about two years back, definitely he was not in his best form. But the last IPL and T20 were one of the most amazing tournaments for him. Also, when you are playing in countries like West Indies and the USA, there are quite a few unknown pitches, and here you will need experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both on and off the field," said Pathan.
"The playing of both the players also depends upon team management and their fitness, but I would love seeing both of them on the field, especially when Rohit has also changed his form and has been making a lot of runs in One Day Cricket," said Pathan.
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: T20 World Cup Full schedule
The full schedule for the T20 World Cup is out now with the tournament set to take centre stage from June 1 to 29. (Full schedule here)
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: India's T20 World Cup schedule
The T20 World Cup 2024 schedule was out on January 5, with India and Pakistan all set to lockhorns on June 9 in New York. India have a relatively easy group which also includes Ireland, USA and Canada.
India will start their campaign on June 5 against the Irish side.
India's group schedule at T20 World Cup 2024:
India vs Ireland - June 5 in New York
India vs Pakistan - June 9 in New York
India vs USA - June 12 in New York
India vs Canada - June 15 in Florida
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: Will Rohit lead in Hardik's absence?
Another big question on the mind of the fans will be seeing who will lead the side against Afghanistan.
Hardik Pandya, who has been leading India in the shortest format of the game in recent times, is set to miss the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan due to the ankle injury he sustained during the 2023 World Cup. However, the same reports also state that Hardik is likely to be fit before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
This means that Rohit Sharma could take up the T20I captaincy once again.
India vs Afghanistan, T20I squad selection Live: Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli make the cut?
After being left hanging on Friday, the fans are expecting the T20I squad to be announced on January 6. As per reports, the selection meeting has already happened and the squad is set for the series. The biggest question will be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli making their way back to the squad. Both men are keen to play the T20 World Cup 2024.
