BCCI T20 Squad- BCCI announce India T20 team for Afghanistan series

BCCI T20 Squad – “Ajit Agarkar-Led Selection Committee to Finalize BCCI T20 Squad for India’s Last T20I Series Before 2024 T20 World Cup. The new committee, including SS Das and Salil Ankola, is set to announce the squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan on Friday.

India, victorious in the 4-1 series against Australia in November, seeks to fine-tune its lineup ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for June in the USA and West Indies. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side recently secured a 1-1 draw against South Africa in a rain-affected three-match series.”

“Kickstarting on January 11, the Afghanistan series will unfold with the first T20I at Mohali’s Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

The action continues with the second encounter on January 14 in Indore, leading up to the final clash on the 17th at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadi, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is scheduled to convene on Friday to finalize the squad for the upcoming three T20Is against Afghanistan.

Additionally, they will also select the squad for the first two Tests of the upcoming five-match series against England, set to commence on January 25.”

“While the anticipation grows for the announcement of the Indian squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, the visitors have already unveiled their 19-member squad for the upcoming challenge in India. Ibrahim Zadran will lead the side, featuring stars like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Naveen-ul-Haq. Due to Rashid’s injury, Ibrahim is set to continue as the captain for the series.”

“In a recent update, the selectors are grappling with a crucial decision—whether to prioritize short-term planning for the imminent T20 World Cup, just 5 months away, or to provide more opportunities to emerging youngsters. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar is set to commence discussions with head coach Rahul Dravid in Cape Town.

The involvement and input of Rohit Sharma, the designated T20I captain, remain uncertain. The selection process is further complicated by injuries to key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, adding an extra layer of complexity for the selectors.

The selectors were initially slated to convene on Friday to finalize the squad for the three T20Is against Afghanistan and the first two Tests of the upcoming five-match series against England, scheduled to commence on January 25. Surprisingly, the announcement was not made on the scheduled Friday meeting.”

“With the ICC’s T20 World Cup announcement on January 5, uncertainty looms over the return of two stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to the T20 format after a hiatus of 13 months. Their last appearance in a T20I was in the 2022 World Cup semifinal, where India faced defeat against England in Australia.”

“While Kohli and Sharma had directed their attention towards the 50-over format in 2023, which was the ODI World Cup year, discussions are now circulating about their potential availability for the T20 World Cup in 2024.”

“This week, both Rohit and Kohli have conveyed their eagerness to participate in the T20 World Cup scheduled for June. Despite this, their inclusion in the T20Is for the Afghanistan series remains uncertain.”

“Similar to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli has participated in T20Is post the T20 World Cup semi-final. Kohli emerged as the leading run-scorer in the T20 tournament held in Australia. However, having not played in the format since November 22, he is in need of on-ground experience before the upcoming edition of the tournament.”

“India faces a significant setback as Suryakumar Yadav is set to miss the Afghanistan series due to an ongoing recovery from an ankle injury sustained during the series against South Africa.”

“Suryakumar Yadav has undergone rehab at the NCA, and the Medical Science team has currently categorized him as injured. Unfortunately, he won’t be available for the upcoming series against Afghanistan commencing in three weeks. Considering he is unlikely to be selected for Tests, there are plans for him to feature for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy in February to assess his fitness before participating in the IPL,” disclosed a BCCI source on the condition of anonymity to PTI.”