In the lead-up to the T20 series against Afghanistan, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is facing some tough decisions, particularly regarding the inclusion of seasoned campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the squad for the World Cup in June. Both stalwarts haven't featured in the T20 format for India since the T20 World Cup semifinal against England in November 2022, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the selection process.
The selection committee, including members Shiv Sunder Das and Salil Ankola, currently in South Africa, will confer with head coach Rahul Dravid, as well as Test and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli before finalizing the squad for the series against Afghanistan. The anticipation is palpable, with around 30 T20 specialists, including IPL stars, under scrutiny ahead of the ICC event in the Caribbean and the United States.
The decision to include Rohit and Kohli in the short series starting on January 11, in Mohali, or evaluate their form and fitness during the IPL is yet to be determined. The two modern legends have expressed their desire to feature in the T20 World Cup, a sentiment eagerly awaited by fans.
With the England Tests commencing in Hyderabad on January 25, it seems unlikely that Rohit and Virat, even if selected, would participate extensively beyond a couple of matches.
"Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya aren't fit. The Afghanistan series won't tell you anything. Everything will be decided on the basis of the first month of IPL," A senior BCCI source said as quoted by NDTV.
Amid Hardik Pandya's fitness concerns, BCCI to closely monitor players' workload during IPL 2024
The BCCI recognizing the delicate balance of workload management, understands the constraints in instructing franchises on player usage during the IPL 2024. Consequently, 25 to 30 players are expected to be closely monitored during the two months of the IPL, providing the selection committee with a contingency plan in case of injuries or fitness concerns. However, the newly-elected Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya might pose a unique challenge due to the unavailability of a direct replacement.
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