With India’s tour to South Africa over, it is now time for Team India to focus on their T20I series against Afghanistan. Rashid Khan’s team will travel to India to play IND vs AFG T20I series starting on January 11. Ahead of the series, let’s take a look at the probable India squad. The squad might throw up a surprise or two in the form of Rohit Sharma’s return to the T20I fold.
India Probable Squad for IND vs AFG T20I series
Rohit Sharma last played in a T20I against England on November 10. Although India played two T20I series after the 2023 ODI World Cup, against Australia and South Africa respectively, Rohit Sharma was given a rest. But now with the 2024 T20 World Cup approaching, India would want their captain to return to the T20 side. If Rohit returns for the IND vs AFG T20I series, he will most likely open the innings. One of Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal will be Rohit’s opening partner. The other one will most likely bat in the first down slot.
Sanju Samson is likely to be recalled to the T20I side after a long hiatus. KL Rahul is likely to be rested for the series. Jitesh Sharma will in all probability be the other wicketkeeper in the Indian side for the series, beside regular starter Ishan Kishan.
For the middle order slots, in addition to the wicketkeepers, players such as Tilak Verma and Rinku Singh will most likely get the nod.
To talk about the bowling department, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be rested for the IND vs AFG T20I series. The duo is almost certain to be India’s first choice seamers for the T20 World Cup. However, in their absence, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar are likely to get the nod in the bowling department. Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi are likely to be selected in the spinners’ department.