Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Not Named In T20I Squad
For the forthcoming home series against New Zealand, India’s T20I lineup does not include Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. KL Rahul is also not included in the team, and while the BCCI attributed Axar Patel’s absence from both the ODI and T20I legs of the series to family obligations, it provided no explanation for Rohit and Kohli’s absences. Rohit is India’s usual all-format captain.
India’s top three picks from their past two T20 World Cups are now missing consecutive T20I series as a result.
Suryakumar Yadav will serve as Hardik Pandya’s deputy during the T20I series, which will be contested in Ranchi, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad from January 27 to February 1. Hardik Pandya, who led India in the three T20Is against Sri Lanka earlier this month, will continue to captain the team.
India vs Sri Lanka Third ODI Match Preview, Pitch Report and Playing 11
The team for the ODI series, which will be played from January 18 to January 24 in Hyderabad, Raipur, and Indore, before the T20Is, includes Rohit and Kohli.
Prithvi Shaw Returns To T20I Team
The T20I squad is also noteworthy for the return of opener Prithvi Shaw, whose absence from future teams – notably in the T20 format – has been a continual cause of criticism given his unique ability to produce quick starts in the powerplay. Shaw last played for India in July 2021.
Shaw entered the discussion earlier this week when he led Mumbai against Assam in the Ranji Trophy with 379 off 383 balls, the second-highest first-class total by an Indian hitter.
Kuldeep Yadav is also back in the T20I team after last playing for India in that format in August 2022. He won Player of the Match for his 3 for 51 in the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Thursday. Along with Yuzvendra Chahal, he is one of the team’s two wristspinners.
Sanju Samson, who was forced to withdraw from the T20I series against Sri Lanka due to a knee injury, is still not included in the team; according to the BCCI announcement, there is no current word on his health. He was replaced by Jitesh Sharma, who is still on the team as one of two alternatives for wicketkeeping with Ishan Kishan.