Predicting India’s Playing XI For 1st T20I Against Afghanistan: India will host Afghanistan for a short 3 T20I series, starting Thursday, January 11, in Mohali.
The Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium will see the return of Rohit Sharma in the T20Is after a gap of over 13 months, though Virat Kohli’s absence, due to personal reasons, would dampen the spirits of the fans a little. Rohit is also back as the skipper.
India are also missing a host of players through injury – Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ruturaj Gaikwad – or through rest – Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj.
This series gives an opportunity to the fringe players to stake a strong claim for selection in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. This series against Afghanistan is India’s only T20I series remaining from now and the T20 World Cup, though the form of the players in the IPL would be crucial for their selection in the T20 WC squad.
IND vs AFG: Predicting India’s Playing XI For 1st T20I Against Afghanistan
On the eve of the first T20I in Mohali, head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed that Jaiswal would open alongside Rohit. However, he didn’t speak on whether Gill would bat at number 3 or he would be benched. Since Kohli is not available for the first T20Is, Gill could bat at 3, but who will Kohli then replace, and what is the plan regarding Gill right now is unclear. Tilak Varma, a left-hander who could bowl some off-spin, is likely to make in the XI.
Rahul Dravid confirms Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal will open.
Excited to see both Intent merchants in power play. pic.twitter.com/PdQHqlN1lc— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) January 10, 2024
Sanju Samson is back in the T20I fold, though it seems that the management would give Jitesh Sharma, who was part of the T20I series in South Africa, would get the nod.
Rinku Singh, Axar, Arshdeep are certain starters, while a debate will be around the wrist-spinners – Kuldeep and Bishnoi. Avesh and Mukesh are likely to pip over Sundar as India would need pacers in Mohali, where dew will make life difficult for spinners.
Predicting India’s Playing XI For 1st T20I Against Afghanistan:
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill/Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav/Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar
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