2024 kick-started on a constructive note for Team India as they clinched the historic Test against South Africa in Cape Town, a venue where they were able to churn out a winning result for the first time. India levelled the series at 1-1, which wrapped up their overseas assignment. Meanwhile, the fans are looking forward to Afghanistan’s tour of India. The brief tour comprises three T20Is, with the T20I opener slated to be played on January 11, Thursday at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali.
The second T20I will kick off on January 14, Sunday at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore whereas the third and final T20I will begin on January 17, Wednesday at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Interestingly, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli who haven’t played T20I cricket for more than a year have been recalled into the T20I setup. Rohit Sharma will be leading the team from the vanguard, which will serve as an ideal preparation for him going forward into the T20I World Cup 2024.
Aakash Chopra questions BCCI after selectors overlook Iyer and Kishan for Afghanistan T20Is
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra took to his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) and questioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the national selectors overlooked Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan for the home T20I series against Afghanistan cricket team. The cricket expert pointed out that Shreyas Iyer was earlier named the vice-captain for the five-match T20I series against Australia.
Besides that, Iyer has been a part of the Indian squad against South Africa. Aakash Chopra was taken aback after seeing Shreyas Iyer finding no place in the squad against Afghanistan. Furthermore, he also doesn’t understand why Shivam Dube who was not picked for South Africa assignment has been brought back for Afghanistan T20Is.
LAst but not least, he also questioned Ishan Kishan’s unavailability for the upcoming T20I series. “Iyer was nominated as the Vice-Captain for the 5-match T20i series vs Australia. Was a part of the squad against SA too. Now, finds no place in the team vs Afghanistan. Dubey was in the squad vs Aus at home. Wasn’t picked for SA. Back in the team vs AFG. Also, where is Ishan Kishen? Any news on his availability?” Chopra tweeted.
Iyer was nominated as the Vice-Captain for the 5-match T20i series vs Australia. Was a part of the squad against SA too.
Now, finds no place in the team vs Afghanistan.
Dubey was in the squad vs Aus at home. Wasn’t picked for SA. Back in the team vs AFG.
Also, where is Ishan…— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 8, 2024
Replying to Aakash Chopra’s tweet, one of the users wrote, “The current state of ICT doesn’t have any clarity. They are in a vicious cycle 1. Select Teams with the same set of players 2. Lose the ICC Tournament by not rising to challenges against good teams, defensive mentality 3. Claim to start a revolution with new players, mindset, composition etc 4. Play bilateral with new players 4. Go back to the old players around the ICC Tournament.”
What do you all make of this power-packed T20I squad set to face Afghanistan? 😎#TeamIndia | #INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/pY2cUPdpHy
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 7, 2024
