IND vs AFG Probable Playing 11: After getting done with their South Africa tour, Team India are set to face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series, commencing on Thursday (January 11). The series happens to be the team's only short-format series before the marquee T20 World Cup 2024. This also marks India's third T20I bilateral series post the 2023 ODI World Cup and notably the first series featuring both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma since November 2022.
The comeback of this star batting duo has significantly heightened fan interest. Despite Kohli’s unavailability for Thursday's fixture, all eyes will be on Rohit as he resumes his role as India's T20I captain. Players like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh and others, too, will be eager to make a strong statement in the IND vs AFG series, aiming to secure their spots in the team.
Afghanistan, led by Ibrahim Zadran in the absence of star spinner Rashid Khan, who misses the first game due to injury, are set to pose a formidable challenge. Afghanistan have already showcased their prowess in the recent ODI World Cup, defeating formidable teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and with style.
Rohit Sharma, India's full-time skipper across formats, is expected to lead the team during tis IND vs AFG series and likely open in all three games. The absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad has been cited as the reason behind Rohit's return to the squad. As the second-highest T20I scorer of all time, behind Kohli, Rohit boasts four hundreds and 29 half-centuries in the shortest format. The question remains as to who will partner him as the opener. Since the T20 World Cup in Australia, both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have been utilized in this role.
Virat Kohli will miss the first T20I in Mohali due to personal reasons, as confirmed by head coach Rahul Dravid. However, Kohli is expected to be available for the last two matches in Indore and Bangalore. This absence opens up an opportunity for Tilak Varma to make an impression at the crucial number three position. Varma, a southpaw, has been a regular number three in recent series and will aim to capitalize on this chance ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Jitesh Sharma Or Sanju Samson: Who Will Be Preferred?
Interestingly, despite the presence of the more experienced Sanju Samson, who has 24 innings under his belt in the format, the management might be tempted to give Jitesh Sharma an extended opportunity leading up to the T20 World Cup. This decision would allow an additional pinch hitter lower down the order, keeping in mind the existing top-order batting options. The management could believe that Jitesh's style of play make him for suitable for a place in the Playing 11.
IND Proabable Playing 11 For 1st T20I vs Afghanistan: Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan.