In a significant move for Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a robust 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. 

The series, scheduled to begin on January 11, marks the return of India’s cricket stalwarts, captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli, to the shortest format of the game. This decision comes after a noticeable hiatus, with both players last seen in action during the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 against England, over 14 months ago.

The absence of Rohit Sharma had led to Hardik Pandya, an accomplished all-rounder, assuming the captaincy. Pandya’s leadership, coupled with his dynamic play, was well-received, sparking discussions about his potential role as captain in the T20 World Cup. However, unforeseen circumstances, including a last-minute injury to Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav (the captain in the last two series), prompted the team management to recall Rohit for the leadership role.

The decision to reinstate Rohit Sharma has been met with endorsement from notable figures in the cricketing world. Among them is former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who recently expressed his support for Rohit’s captaincy in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

In a statement to Hindustan Times, Ganguly emphasized the importance of both Rohit and Kohli in the team, remarking, “Of course Rohit should captain the team in the T20I World Cup. Virat Kohli also should be there. Virat Kohli is an outstanding player, nothing will happen (even if they are coming back to T20 fold after a long gap).”

The credentials of both Rohit and Kohli are unparalleled in T20I history. Kohli, with a staggering 4,008 runs, and Rohit, with 3,853 runs, are the top two run-scorers in the format. Kohli’s dominance is particularly noteworthy in T20 World Cups, where he leads with 1,141 runs from 25 innings at an average of 81.50, including 14 half-centuries. His performances earned him the Player of the Tournament accolade in consecutive editions (2014 and 2016) and the leading run-scorer title in both 2014 and 2022.

As the T20I series against Afghanistan approaches, the focus shifts to the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, where the first match will be played. This series serves as a crucial precursor to the T20 World Cup 2024, set to commence on June 1 in the West Indies and USA. 

The return of Sharma and Kohli is not just a boost for the team’s morale but also a strategic move, considering their experience and records in international cricket. Their inclusion in the squad is anticipated to significantly impact India’s performance in both the upcoming series and the World Cup, underlining their indispensable roles in the team’s structure. Get free cricket betting tips only on Nextbet Sports.