Introduction
Cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting T20 International series between India and Afghanistan, set to unfold from January 11 to January 17. This three-match series is particularly significant for India as it marks the return of star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the T20 World Cup in June. Rohit Sharma will captain the Indian team, which also features some new faces due to the absence of key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. Conversely, Afghanistan, led by Ibrahim Zadran, is eyeing a strong performance against India, with key players such as Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in their lineup. The series is scheduled to commence in Mohali and conclude in Bengaluru, with fans eagerly anticipating some thrilling encounters.
Return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
On Sunday, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli came back to play for India in three T20 matches against Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma will be the captain for these games.
Rohit and Kohli played their last T20 match for India in November 2022, during the World Cup semifinal against England.
Team Composition and Player Roles
In the T20 team, Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma will be the wicketkeepers because Ishan Kishan is not playing in this format. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, sure to play in Test matches, are taking a break, and Ruturaj Gaikwad is still recovering from an injury and not ready to play. Shivam Dube is on the team because Hardik Pandya is not playing.
Afghanistan’s Squad Selection
Meanwhile, Afghanistan has selected a team of 19 players, with young Ibrahim Zadran as the captain and Rashid Khan as a key player. Rashid, who usually leads in T20I matches, is in the team, but he might not play due to recovering from a recent back surgery.
Key Players in Afghanistan’s Squad
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is back in the squad to play against India after missing the T20I series against UAE. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced this in a press release. Also, Ikram Alikhil, who was in the reserves against the UAE, is now part of the main squad as the backup wicketkeeper-batsman.
Zadran’s Leadership and ACB Statement
Also, Zadran, who led Afghanistan to win 2-1 against the UAE in Sharjah, will be the captain against India as well. ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf said, “We are happy to be going on our first tour to India for a three-match series.
India vs Afghanistan T20I Series: Schedule and Timings
The series starts on January 11 in Mohali and finishes on January 17 in Bengaluru. All matches begin at 7 PM IST.
T20I Series Schedule: India vs Afghanistan Match Dates
India will play against Afghanistan in three T20I matches on these dates:
- Thursday, January 11, in Mohali
- Sunday, January 14, in Indore
- Wednesday, January 17, in Bengaluru
India vs Afghanistan T20I Series: How to Watch Live
You can watch the India vs Afghanistan T20I series live on Baji.com and six6s.com.
India’s Players for T20I Matches Against Afghanistan
Captain Rohit Sharma is leading the team, which includes players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh Sharma as a wicketkeeper, Sanju Samson as the team also includes a wicketkeeper, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar.
Afghanistan’s Players for T20I Matches Against India
Ibrahim Zadran is the captain, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz along with Ikram Alikhil are the wicketkeepers. Other players include Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib, and Rashid Khan.
Conclusion
As cricket fans eagerly anticipate the India vs Afghanistan T20I series, the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli adds an extra layer of excitement. With both teams eyeing strong performances ahead of the T20 World Cup, the series promises thrilling encounters and a glimpse into the teams’ preparations. The battle between India’s established stars and Afghanistan’s emerging talents, led by Ibrahim Zadran, is set to captivate cricket enthusiasts, making this series a must-watch spectacle on the international cricket calendar.
FAQs:
Q1. Why is the India vs Afghanistan T20I series significant for India?
A1. The series holds importance for India as it serves as the last T20I engagement before the T20 World Cup in June. Additionally, it marks the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the T20 format, providing a crucial opportunity to assess team dynamics and player performances.
Q2. Which players are absent from the Indian squad, and who are the replacements?
A2. Notable absentees from the Indian squad include Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, who are taking a break, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, recovering from an injury. In their absence, players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and others have been included in the squad.
Q3. Who is leading the Afghanistan team, and which players are key for them?
A3. Ibrahim Zadran is captaining the Afghanistan team for this series. Key players for Afghanistan include Rashid Khan (though recovering from surgery), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and others, forming a formidable lineup.
Q4. When and where will the matches take place in the India vs Afghanistan T20I series?
A4. The series kicks off on January 11 in Mohali and concludes on January 17 in Bengaluru. All matches are scheduled to start at 7 PM IST.
Q5. How can fans watch the India vs Afghanistan T20I series live?
A5. Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action on Sports18 and Colors Cineplex. Additionally, live streaming is available on the JioCinema app and website, ensuring fans can follow the matches from the comfort of their homes.