Kohli, Rohit eager for Afghanistan T20Is, squad announcement likely today

PTC Web Desk: The early conclusion of the India-South Africa Test series has provided the BCCI selection committee and team management an opportunity to finalise the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. Set to commence on January 11, the selection committee is expected to convene on Friday to confirm the roster. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, absent from T20Is for over a year, are reportedly available for selection, eyeing the T20 World Cup next year.

As reported in several media houses, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma aim to return to T20I series, having last played in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Their absence led to the discovery of talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, and Ishan Kishan. However, their inclusion might change India's T20I dynamics ahead of next year's World Cup.

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Reports suggest the likelihood of resting pace bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, heavily involved in the South Africa series. Mohammed Shami's availability remains uncertain, given his absence from both Tests in South Africa.

Hardik, Suryakumar Yadav to remain sidelined?

Injury concerns continue to sideline Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav. Hardik has been absent since the 2023 ODI World Cup, while Suryakumar sustained an injury during the South Africa tour, delaying his return to action until the following month.

Apart from the Afghanistan series squad announcement, the BCCI is expected to reveal the lineup for the initial two Tests against England.

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