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The Indian squad for the Afghanistan T20Is is set to be announced on Sunday evening. However, In a setback for the Indian cricket team, key players Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav have been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series, according to a report by ESPNcricnfo.
Suryakumar Yadav’s ankle injury derails leadership stint
The report mentioned that Suryakumar, who recently captained India in the T20Is against South Africa, will miss the Afghanistan series due to an ankle injury sustained during the final match in Johannesburg. Followed by this, the talented batter from Pune underwent an ankle surgery and is expected to resume training in a span of few months, raising concerns about his availability for future fixtures.
Hardik Pandya’s fitness woes continue
Similarly, Pandya, who exited the ODI World Cup with a ligament tear in November, continues to grapple with fitness issues. The all-rounder is still in the rehabilitation phase and has not attained optimal fitness. The medical team of BCCI has advised a cautious approach, urging Pandya to monitor his workload to prevent setbacks.
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Uncertainty over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Additionally, there are uncertainties over the participation of star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have not played a T20I since the 2022 T20 World Cup. The duo’s inclusion in the squad remains unconfirmed, leaving fans and pundits speculating about their roles in the team.
Notably, the upcoming Afghanistan series serves as India’s final bilateral T20I assignment before the T20 World Cup 2024, commencing on June 1. As the squad announcement approaches, Indian cricket enthusiasts eagerly await updates on the participation of key players and the strategic decisions of the selectors. The absence of Pandya and Suryakumar adds an element of uncertainty to India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup, raising questions about the team’s balance and leadership dynamics.
