After a long wait of 14 months, duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be seen again in the T20I series against Afghanistan starting from January 11. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the shortest format of cricket has undoubtedly injected a new level of excitement and confidence into the Indian squad to mark their spot permanently ahead of the T20 World Cup that will take place from the first week of June to June 29. This is the India’s last T20 series before the T20 World Cup.
In the post-match press conference, Rohit Sharma expressed his joy at being back in the T20 squad and contributing to the team’s success. Virat Kohli pulled out of the opening T20I against Afghanistan due to personal reasons ahead of the first T20I of three match T20 series between the two teams, beginning in Mohali on Thursday. Cricbuzz reported that Kohli’s role in the T20I format was clarified during the meeting with Agarkar, signaling India’s preparation for the T20 World Cup in June. The meeting took place in Cape Town before the second Test against South Africa.
All eyes on Rohit Sharma
India’s head coach Dravid stated “Rohit to open the batting with young Yashasvi Jaiswal against Afghanistan. It also sparks the question whether India long time limited overs opener will be drop down the order or miss out on a spot.
On the other side Rinku Singh proved his presence in the South African conditions and will be a key player for India in the middle-order in the absence of Hardik Pandya. Indian wicket keeper Ishan Kishan and Kl Rahul were also left out of the series giving Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson the two wicket-keeping options for the squad. Return of Shivam Dube to the squad will give alternative option of Hardik Pandya.
Afghanistan team
Talking about visitor, they have already received a big blow with Rashid Khan ruled out of the T20I series. The star leg spinner is currently in recovery after undergoing lower-back surgery. Although he is travelling with the team but will not take part in the series vs India.
After a great World Cup campaign, Afghanistan proved that they have the potential of becoming a future power house of the world cricket after India. Last Year Afghan completed sixth in the points table of Cricket World Cup ahead of 2019 world cup champion England and other cricketing giants like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Pitch Report And Weather Forecast
The pitch prepared by Punjab Cricket Association, will certainly offers a balanced help to batsmen and bowlers. Captains winning the toss might prefer to bat first as the pitch gradually becomes more challenging citing dew. Spinners can play a big role at this stadium as they may get an advantage from the track.
There will be no chances of rain in Mohali on Thursday. With a humidity level of 63 percent, the temperature will be around 17 degree Celsius.
Head-to-Head Record
India have played against Afghanistan on five occasions and the Men In Blue have emerged victorious four times while one match ended with no result.
India Vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Probable Playing 11s
India Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar
Afghanistan Probable XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (C), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad/Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Dream 11 Team For First T20I
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kuldeep Yadav, Noor Ahmad, Arshdeep Singh (VC)
Where To Watch
The live streaming of India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match will be available on Jio Cinema. Sports 18 Network will broadcast television channel for the India vs Afghanistan T20Is live in India. The first T20I between India and Afghanistan will begin at 7:00 PM IST.