After Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, Ruturaj Gaikwad also out of Afghanistan T20I
Anticipation hangs heavy in the air as the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 series against Afghanistan inches closer to reveal. The three-match encounter, spread across Mohali, Indore, and Bangalore on January […]
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Jan 7, 2024 7:02 pm
Anticipation hangs heavy in the air as the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 series against Afghanistan inches closer to reveal. The three-match encounter, spread across Mohali, Indore, and Bangalore on January 11th, 14th, and 17th, will see several key players absent. Injuries have ruled out Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and now, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who will also miss the initial part of the England Test series.
All eyes turn to the national selectors, who face a crucial decision – to include India’s veteran duo, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, in the T20 squad. Kohli and Sharma haven’t graced the T20 scene since the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Australia. The BCCI, prioritizing Test and ODI commitments, sidelined them from the format. However, with another T20 World Cup looming in the West Indies and USA this June, their inclusion becomes a critical question mark hanging over the selection.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (source: Twitter)
Will the selectors gamble on experience and bring back the seasoned warriors, or will they opt for fresher faces and solidify a new T20 direction? It has been learnt that the squad will be picked today and so, the next few hours will hold the answer, as the eagerly awaited squad announcement promises to spark fervent debate and ignite excitement for the upcoming series.
Who will captain in Hardik’s absence?
With Hardik Pandya’s unexpected injury throwing a wrench in World Cup captaincy plans, whispers grow about a bold solution: Rohit Sharma’s return to the T20 fold, coupled with your potential appointment as skipper for the June tournament. This school of thought champions his incredible ODI World Cup 2023 performance, where he shone as both captain and batsman. They argue that his recent brilliance justifies another shot at T20 leadership and that his experience and current form will offer the team stability and momentum heading into the World Cup.
In the case that the two senior pros are not picked, it will be interesting to see who the selectors opt for in terms of captaincy. Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah are two players who could get the nod.
