Virat Kohli’s anticipated comeback in T20Is will have to be postponed as India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, disclosed that Kohli will be unavailable for the opening T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali due to personal reasons. Conversely, the Afghan team will miss the expertise of Rashid Khan, who has been ruled out for the entire series.
This series serves as the final phase of India’s preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup, with Rohit Sharma leading the team. Rohit, absent from the T20 format for India since their semifinal exit at the 2022 World Cup, returns as captain. While Kohli may not be part of the comeback narrative for this match, Rohit’s presence signals his continued role in India’s plans for the upcoming World Cup.
Sanju Samson, also making a return, solidified his place with a maiden international ODI century in South Africa. His inclusion in the squad, alongside the recall of Rohit and Kohli, suggests a strategic approach as India shapes its lineup for the T20 World Cup. The chosen XI, particularly the top six, during this series will provide insights into the selectors’ and team management’s strategies for the marquee event. The pace-bowling department, missing key names, offers fringe players a final chance to stake their claim for a spot in the World Cup squad.
Afghanistan faces a setback with the absence of experienced all-rounder Rashid Khan, who hasn’t played competitive cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup. Expected to make a comeback in this series, Rashid is deemed unfit, continuing his rehabilitation on the sidelines. However, the return of players like Mujeeb ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq, with IPL experience, is a positive for the visitors. The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s softened stance on player participation in franchise leagues has allowed their inclusion after temporary cancellations of NOCs. Despite Mujeeb missing the recent UAE series, the compromise reached with the Board ensured the availability of the other two players for that tour.
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