India is gearing up for a thrilling T20I series against Afghanistan, with the backdrop of a recently concluded Test series against South Africa. Despite a 1-1 draw in the Tests, the focus now shifts to the T20 format, especially with the T20 World Cup just five months away. The excitement is palpable as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma reunite as captain and vice-captain, marking their first T20I series together since November 2022.
Rohit Sharma’s return to the helm of India’s T20I squad is a significant development, bringing a surge of interest among cricket enthusiasts. While Virat Kohli will miss the first fixture due to personal reasons, the spotlight remains on Rohit Sharma, who takes charge as the captain. With Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav sidelined due to injuries, the return of the star batting duo adds depth to the Indian lineup.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Rohit and Kohli’s comeback is a temporary alignment or a strategic move with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June. The absence of Rashid Khan, who is still recovering from surgery, might seem like an advantage for India, but recent surprises pulled off by Afghanistan in global tournaments make them a formidable opponent.
India Vs Afghanistan: Head-to-head
Reflecting on the head-to-head statistics, India has a perfect record against Afghanistan in T20 World Cups and the Asia Cup, winning all four encounters. However, cricket is known for its unpredictability, and India would be cautious, considering Afghanistan’s impressive track record, including victories against South Africa and Pakistan in recent World Cups.
The availability of players adds an interesting dimension to the series. While Virat Kohli is expected to join the squad for the next two matches, Rashid Khan’s absence from the Afghan side could impact their game plan.
India Vs Afghanistan: Pitch report:
The pitch report from the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium suggests favorable conditions for batsmen, emphasizing the importance of the toss. The team winning the toss is likely to opt for batting first to capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions.
India Vs Afghanistan: Weather report:
Weather conditions at the PCA Stadium are expected to be around 10-11 degrees Celsius, with clear skies and 33 percent humidity, promising a comfortable playing environment.
Where can we watch the live broadcast of India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match on television in India?
For fans eager to catch the action, the first T20I match between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to begin on January 11 at 7:00 PM IST at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium in Mohali.
As for live coverage, Sports18 will broadcast the match on television in India, while Jio Cinema will provide live streaming options.
India Vs Afghanistan: Squad
India Squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi
Afghanistan Squad: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran (Captain), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Qais Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Karim Janat, Ikram Alikhil, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Rahmat Shah, Gulbadin Naib
Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting series that not only serves as a prelude to the T20 World Cup but also showcases the return of Rohit Sharma as India’s T20I captain, adding an extra layer of anticipation and excitement to the IND vs AFG showdown.