IND vs AFG: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Return To India's T20I Squad Ahead Of T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to make a comeback to India 's T20I squad after more than a year's hiatus from the format. They will be part of the three-match series against Afghanistan, serving as India's final T20I series before the upcoming T20 World Cup in June.

Rohit has been appointed as the captain of the squad, stepping in for the injured Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav , who led the team during Rohit's absence.

The duo last played T20Is in India's semi-final defeat to England in the T20 World Cup in November 2022. Their preference for Test cricket and ODIs led them to skip T20Is, prioritizing preparations for the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup in 2023. Their return, following a visit by the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar to South Africa , solidifies their inclusion in India's plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.

Hardik Pandya, who has been leading India in T20Is, and stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav are currently sidelined due to injuries. Suryakumar, who led India in recent T20I series against Australia and South Africa, will be out for a few months with an ankle injury. Both players are expected to return for the IPL in March.

Notable exclusions from the squad include Ruturaj Gaikwad , who is nursing a finger injury and KL Rahul. Ishan Kishan has opted out, citing the need for a break to refocus on his game, a decision consistent with his absence from the South Africa Test series.

Jitesh Sharma retains his spot as the wicketkeeper, while Sanju Samson makes a comeback as his backup. Samson, who last featured in India's T20I squad during the Ireland tour in August last year, impressed with a maiden international century in the recent ODI series against South Africa.

Shivam Dube, the Mumbai all-rounder, earns another opportunity in T20Is after a strong performance in IPL 2023. He was part of India's second-string squad that secured the Asian Games gold in October last year.

Several players have been rested, including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, considering their workload ahead of the upcoming five-Test series against England. Absentees also include Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja , the vice-captain during the South Africa T20Is. Jadeja missed the first Test against South Africa due to a neck spasm.

Deepak Chahar, initially named for the South Africa T20Is but absent due to personal reasons, is omitted from the squad. The selectors have opted for Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar . The spin attack features Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Ravi Bishnoi . Kuldeep, who claimed a five-for in his recent T20I appearance in South Africa, showcased his form with three wickets in the Ranji Trophy for Uttar Pradesh.

Following the T20Is against Afghanistan, India will host England from January 25 to March 11, after which players will join their respective IPL teams for the 2024 season, concluding just weeks before the T20 World Cup commences on June 1.