After the two-match Test series against South Africa, the India Cricket Team will take on Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series. IND vs AFG is the last bilateral T20I series before T20 World Cup 2024. But with Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Ruturaj Gaikwad — all three captains of the T20I side — injured, the BCCI selection committee faces a dilemma. Rohit Sharma will likely end his T20I exile to lead the team again. India squad for India vs Afghanistan T20I series is expected next week.
Rohit Sharma has been in a T20I exile since the T20 World Cup 2022. But as the selectors and the BCCI want him to lead India in the T20 World Cup 2024, he could return for the three matches before switching focus back to Tests.
“It’s up to the selectors to decide who will lead the side. We had a lengthy discussion with Rohit and he is ready to lead in T20 World Cup. But the England Test series is more important. And Ajit (Agarkar) will talk to Rohit and take a call on whether he will return for the series,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
Who will lead India in IND vs AFG?
In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya became the de facto leader of the T20 side. But he has been out after suffering an ankle injury in the India vs Bangladesh World Cup match in October. He is yet to recover from his injury and is likely to return directly in IPL 2024.
Suryakumar Yadav who led India against Australia and South Africa is also out with an ankle injury. The other captain — Ruturaj Gaikwad — who led India in the Asian Games is also injured.
Hence, India now has to look at the deputies or go back to Rohit Sharma.
Ravindra Jadeja is unlikely to play in the IND vs AFG T20 series as he is crucial to India’s plans in the England Test series. Hence, the next best option is Jasprit Bumrah, who is set to miss the series with workload management.
The only option left is Rohit Sharma. There were doubts whether Rohit will continue to play T20Is. But as the T20 series will be the last series before T20 World Cup 2024, he is likely to return.
Ahead of the IND vs SA Test series, Rohit Sharma hinted at a return to T20Is.
“I want to play whatever cricket is there in front of me,” Rohit said at the pre-match press conference.
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