Not too long before India's squad announcement for the Afghanistan T20Is, it is being learnt that Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya both will not be available for selection for the three-match series beginning on January 11. In addition, Ruturaj Gaikwad will also not be available with each of the three players battling injury concerns.
While Hardik injured himself in the ODI World Cup, Suryakumar, who was leading in his absence, also hurt himself in the T20I series against South Africa. In addition, Ruturaj is nursing a finger injury which will keep him away from the Indian team. A report carried by ESPNCricinfo has confirmed the same which has also claims that the squad will be announced on Sunday (January 7) evening.
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However, there remains no clarity on whether or not Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be part of the three-match T20I series. It is pertinent to note that both the stalwarts have not played a single T20I ever since the team's defeat to England in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2022 against England. The squad announcement is important as it is the final biltaeral T20I series before the T20 World Cup this year.
Following this, India will be playing a five-match Test series against the Three Lions which will then be followed by the Indian Premier League (IPL). The squad for the Afghanistan series can thus be a hint at the route the selectors could be taking as the entire nation looks to end that ICC title drought since 2013. A chance here for Rohit and Virat will mean doors are pretty much open for them with a final call to be taken based on their IPL form.