- Kohli’s absence in the first T20I against Afghanistan due to personal reasons; Dravid assures his return for subsequent matches.
- The ongoing series crucial for players to stake claims for T20 World Cup selection; IPL identified as a crucial platform for T20 exposure.
- Changes in the batting order expected with Yashasvi Jaiswal opening with Rohit Sharma; absence of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya adds further complexity.
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli will be absent from the first T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali due to personal reasons, confirmed by coach Rahul Dravid on the eve of the match. However, Dravid reassured fans that Kohli would be back for the subsequent T20Is scheduled in Indore and Bengaluru.
Kohli and Rohit Sharma are making their return to T20Is for the first time since India’s T20 World Cup semi-final defeat to England in November 2022. Both players had taken a break from T20Is to focus on longer formats, participating in the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup in 2023.
The ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan holds significant importance for India as it serves as the last T20I assignment before the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, scheduled for June. This series provides a crucial opportunity for players, including emerging talents, to showcase their skills and stake their claim for inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.
Rahul Dravid acknowledged the challenges of preparing for the T20 World Cup with limited time and emphasized the team’s reliance on performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), scheduled from March 29 to May 26, to provide players with essential T20 exposure ahead of the global tournament.
With Kohli’s absence, the batting order is likely to see a reshuffle, with Yashasvi Jaiswal confirmed to open with Rohit Sharma. Dravid may consider moving Shubman Gill to No. 3 or introducing players like Sanju Samson or Tilak Varma to fill the void left by Kohli. The absence of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, both injured, adds further complexity to India’s batting lineup.
Dravid’s pragmatic approach reflects the challenges of managing player workload and prioritizing formats in a busy international cricket calendar. The upcoming T20Is against Afghanistan will play a crucial role in assessing the form and readiness of players ahead of the T20 World Cup.
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