Kohli, Rohit To Open, Dube To Replace Pandya; Here's India’s Strongest XI For 1st T20I Vs AFG
Virat Kohli (left) & Rohit Sharma (X.com)
Several discussions have been held around the world of cricket about the BCCI's plans for the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 since India's T20I squad against Afghanistan was announced on Sunday (January 7). Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are back where they belong, while Sanju Samson has been preferred over Shreyas Iyer on the roster, making headlines among many noteworthy moves.
But how will the Men in Blue look as a playing XI? Will that be powerful enough on paper to bring home the prestigious trophy after a few months from the West Indies and the USA? Let's examine it in detail.
Let’s assume India are planning to work on their playing XI for the upcoming World Cup from the Afghanistan series onwards. And for that, with Virat and Rohit back in the mix, they need to make a few bold decisions to mix the veterans and the youngsters.
Suryakumar Yadav, the No. 1-ranked T20I batsman in the world, should play at his preferred No. 3 spot at the mega event. To make that happen, Kohli and Rohit must open, and they should follow the same order in the Afghanistan series as well. Samson, who was surprisingly selected, can be used as No. 3, followed by Shivam Dube, who is a perfect backup for the injured Hardik Pandya in the middle-order.
As a result of Dube's inclusion, India will have the firepower they need at No. 4, and Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh will follow them as India's finishers. While Dube’s inclusion at the T20 World Cup 2024 is uncertain, a place at No. 6 is up for grabs, and one of Rinku and Jitesh can fit the bill.
Among Washington Sundar and Axar Patel, the latter should get a nod ahead of his competing teammate, considering Ravindra Jadeja is still a top priority and Axar is identical. Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav, given that Dube is expected to play, can both get a place as designated spinners, whereas Mukesh Kumar and Arshdeep Singh can be an automatic back-up for Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
India's Strongest Playing XI In The 1st T20I Vs Afghanistan
- Rohit Sharma (c),
- Virat Kohli,
- Sanju Samson,
- Shivam Dube,
- Jitesh Sharma (wk),
- Rinku Singh,
- Axar Patel,
- Ravi Bishnoi,
- Kuldeep Yadav,
- Mukesh Kumar,
- Arshdeep Singh
India’s first of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan will get underway on January 11 at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali.
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