Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, despite not featuring in T20 Internationals since the 2022 T20 World Cup, have communicated their availability for selection in the shortest format, as reported by The Indian Express.
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The upcoming assignments for the Indian cricket team include three T20 games against Afghanistan, beginning on January 11, followed by a test series against England, starting on January 25.
India will play only three T20 Internationals against Afghanistan before the T20 World Cup in June.
Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are unavailable for selection due to injuries for the Afghanistan series which necessitates the selection committee to appoint a new captain for the T20s. It remains to be seen if Rohit is handed over the reins in T20 or if a new face will be allowed to lead the side.
Before the T20 showpiece event, both Rohit & Virat, will be plying their trade in the IPL with their respective teams and the performance in the tournament could be key to their inclusion in the squad.
What is Rohit Sharma's record in T20I?
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 148 | 140 | 17 | 3853 | 118 | 31.32 | 2767 | 139.24 | 4 | 29 | 348 | 182 | 58 | 0 |
What is Virat Kohli's record in T20I?
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 115 | 107 | 31 | 4008 | 122* | 52.73 | 2905 | 137.96 | 1 | 37 | 356 | 117 | 50 | 0 |
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Virat Kohli to be left out of T20 team?
With the India T20 squad for the home series against Afghanistan likely to be picked on January 5, the latest updates on the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, according to Sports Tak, are that Rohit could remain in charge of a young team while the management looks to move on from Kohli.
BREAKING 🚨 : Virat Kohli is officially out of bilateral T20I & T20WC squad of India.
— 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝕏 (@ImHydro45) January 4, 2024
Captain Rohit Sharma is going to lead India in T20WC with a young team. 🇮🇳🐐 pic.twitter.com/SwmU6IhlMx
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to play home T20I series against Afghanistan?
While the BCCI was expected to release the squad list for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan on Friday, the announcement did not come and may be delayed until January 7, according to Sports Today.
The same outlet reported that as of Saturday, January 6, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would make a return to T20Is after over a year, to play against Afghanistan in what will be India's last three T20s before the T20 World Cup in June.
Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah to be rested against Afghanistan
In a strategic move, the selection committee will likely rest fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming T20 games against Afghanistan.
Despite playing crucial roles in India's recent victory over South Africa in Cape Town, the committee aims to preserve them for the Test matches against England as the team management prioritizes the fitness of these key pacers.
The selection committee, comprising SS Das, Salil Ankola, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar is in Cape Town, preparing for the crucial selection meeting scheduled on Friday.
These developments indicate a strategic approach by the Indian team management and selection committee to balance player availability, rest key players, and plan for the upcoming series against Afghanistan and England.
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