Virat Kohli Ruled Out; Here's India's Probable Playing XI For 1st T20I vs Afghanistan

Virat Kohli will miss the 1st T20I vs AFG [X.com]

In a massive setback for India, veteran batter Virat Kohli is all set to miss the first T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali. As confirmed by India's head coach Rahul Dravid in the pre-match presser, Kohli won't participate in the first game of the three-match series in Mohali due to personal reasons. The former Indian captain has also revealed that young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the batting alongside captain Rohit Sharma. 

Who will replace Virat Kohli? 

Veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli won't feature in the first T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali. In his absence, promising Hyderabad batter Tilak Varma will likely bat at number three, as India tend to prefer Shubman Gill for the opener's role. 

Varma had a torrid time with the bat in the recently held South Africa series. So, this game could be a massive opportunity for the youngster to regain his mojo.

Meanwhile, keeper-batter Sanju Samson will likely bat at number four, followed by India's new finisher Rinku Singh and the all-rounders Shivam Dube and Axar Patel. 

In the absence of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh will spearhead India's pace attack alongside Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar, with Kuldeep Yadav playing as the lead spinner. 

India's probable playing XI for 1st T20I vs Afghanistan

Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar

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