The absence of wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan from the Indian cricket team squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan has stirred speculation, prompting various theories, including his participation in a television game show and a trip to Dubai, as potential reasons for his omission. However, head coach Rahul Dravid addressed the conjectures during the pre-match press conference ahead of the first T20I, clarifying that Kishan had voluntarily opted for rest and has yet to make himself available for selection.
Dravid stated, “He asked for the rest. I do not think he has made himself available for selection yet. When he is available, he will play domestic cricket and officially make himself available for selection.”
Notably, KL Rahul is also absent from the squad for the Afghanistan T20I series, with Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson chosen as the wicket-keepers. The three-match series holds significant importance as it serves as the only T20I series preceding the T20 World Cup in 2024, offering players an opportunity to showcase their skills.
The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the T20 format after a 14-month hiatus will be closely watched as India takes on Afghanistan in the inaugural white-ball series between the two teams. The series will be India’s final T20I contest before the T20 World Cup in June, providing valuable insights into the team’s preparation for the ICC event in the Americas.
The ultimate 15-member squad for the World Cup will be determined based on performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which precedes the global tournament. Although Rohit and Kohli are assured selections in the squad, their focus is on maximizing their contributions in the matches against Afghanistan. Notably, Afghanistan will miss the services of star spinner Rashid Khan, who is still recovering from a back surgery conducted in November last year. Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt to challenges, emphasizing the need for others to step up in Rashid Khan’s absence.