Following a balanced 1-1 Test series draw in South Africa, India’s team braces for their next task. They face a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan right at home. The first match kicks off on Thursday, January 11 in Mohali.
The Blue Men have brought back some famous faces. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are returning to the T20I structure after a year apart. Also joining them in the squad are many promising young talents.
Yet, some noteworthy players are missing. Sure, we can figure that players like Jasprit Bumrah will be picked when required. But for some other players, uncertainty exists. With no clear messages received from the BCCI, fans are left making guesses.
These three well-known players were left out of India’s team for the Twenty20 International series against Afghanistan.
3. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan withdrew from India’s South Africa trip, claiming personal concerns. Rumor has it that the young performer needed time off to tend to his mental health. He hasn’t been chosen to take on Afghanistan, and there has been no hint regarding a possible return.
In his final T20I match, Ishan Kishan played Australia at home. He ended a protracted poor run of form by hitting at No. 3 and scoring two half-centuries, presumably making progress toward assuming the wicket-keeper position in the format.
As Rishabh Pant recovers, Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson have been selected to play Afghanistan. Right now, neither keeper is a lock to start, so when Kishan becomes available again, it has to be possible for him to return.
2. Ravindra Jadeja
Axar Patel and Washington Sundar made it to India’s team selection, yet Ravindra Jadeja’s name was omitted from the BCCI’s list.
Jadeja served as the deputy leader for India’s most recent T20I stint in the Rainbow Nation. His bowling skills have shined. Even though he hasn’t made huge batting averages, the left-hander has started showing some promising batting actions lower down the order.
In the game versus Australia, Axar shone as a bowler and his batting skills hints he could fit well in the No. 7 role, even with less batting support. But, Jadeja could rejoin the team as the T20 World Cup nears, reflecting a pattern seen in the past two years across the white-ball games.
1. KL Rahul
Recently, KL Rahul begged the selectors to choose him for the T20I format, but not against Afghanistan. As previously announced, Jitesh and Samson have been selected to be the wicket-keepers.
Rahul’s role in the short game has struggled, leading to talk of a middle-position shuffle in the approaching IPL season. An injury sidelined this leader of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for much of the IPL 2023.
Rahul might have to compete for a T20I position, even though he did well in longer games. IPL 2024 may be the key to determine his fate particularly if he performs well in a single batting position.
