Ind vs Afg T20Is: Ex-Indian stumper on why BCCI selectors have backed Rohit Sharma as India captain
Former stumper on why Rohit has returned as India T20I captain
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Sunday (Jan 7), announced India's squad for the three T20Is versus Afghanistan at home. The squad saw the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I setup after the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final. The two had not been part of India's T20I scheme of things since then. Their return has now potentially sealed their spots for the 2024 T20 World Cup, to be held in West Indies and USA in June. The squad does not comprise KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer whereas Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are out of action due to injury concerns.
Former Indian stumper Saba Karim opened up on India's squad. He feels the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selectors have opted for Rohit and Kohli as they want experience in the T20 WC squad. In addition, Hardik-- who led India majorly in the format in Rohit-Kohli's absence -- has been hit with injury concerns of late and, hence, Rohit's return as India captain makes sense.
'Selectors had shown faith in Hardik Pandya as a captain but...'
During a discussion onSports 18, Karim said,“There is no doubt now (on Rohit-Kohli receiving the backing of selectors to feature in India's squad at 2024T20 WC). Now that you have included both these players against Afghanistan, it means there has been a massive change in the selectors' thinking. They feel they need experience for the World Cup. That's why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made a comeback. There is another thing. Until now, the selectors had shown faith in Hardik Pandya as a captain but questions are being raised because of Hardik Pandya's injury. That's why the selectors have gone back to Rohit Sharma to bring stability, both as a captain and a batter."
Also read:All signs suggest Rohit Sharma will lead India in T20 WC, says former player Kris Srikkanth
Both Rohit and Kohli will be eager to make a strong statement in the upcoming three T20Is versus Afghanistan, which gets underway on Jan 11 (Thursday) in Mohali.
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India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series –
Rohit Sharma (captain), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar