India wins World Cup-

 India wins T20  World Cup 2024

Rohit Sharma with world cup trophy 

Rohit Sharma is 3rd Indian Captain after Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni to win an ICC  World Cup tournament 

INDIA VS Afghanistan Preview- India Vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I pitch condition, team news, weather report, match time, possible playing 11 of both teams

India Vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I LIVE match, pitch condition, team news, match time, possible playing 11 

India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I in Indore

India will take on Afghanistan in the second T20 International of the three-match series scheduled for Sunday, January 14, 2023, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Holding a 1-0 lead in the series, the Indian team is eager to clinch victory in the upcoming game and secure the series in their favor.

Indian Team News- Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav in 

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play a T20 game together after 14 months

The return of Virat Kohli in T20I after 14 months will boost India's batting lineup, as the veteran batsman is expected to replace Tilak Varma at the top of the order. Additionally, the possible inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, if fit, could see him opening alongside Rohit Sharma, as hinted by coach Rahul Dravid in the pre-series press conference. This strategic move aims to bolster India's batting prowess and provide a formidable start against Afghanistan's bowling attack. Another change which Indian side may look to do is to replace Wristspinner Ravi Bishnoi, who leaked 35 runs in three overs in the first T20I,with Kuldeep Yadav. 

Afghanistan Team News-   Hazratullah Zazai in for Rahmat Shah 

On the flip side, Afghanistan will be determined to bounce back and level the series by securing a win in the second T20I. Afghanistan's key players will have to make their mark and put up a strong fight against the formidable Indian squad. It all starts with their top order batsman to score big run and give their bowlers few runs under their belt to defend or if they bowl first they have to restrict Indian side below 150 to win the match. For Afghanistan team only one possible change can be predicted and that is if Hazratullah Zazai is fit and available, Afghanistan could bring him into the XI in place of Rahmat.

India's Probable XI for the 2nd T20I match against Afghanistan -  Rohit Sharma (c),  Yashasvi Jaiswal/Shubman Gill,  Virat Kohli,  Shivam Dube,  Rinku Singh,  Jitesh Sharma (wk),  Axar Patel,  Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav/Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh,  Mukesh Kumar/Avesh Khan

Afghanistan's Probable XI for the 2nd T20I match against India -  Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk),  Hazratullah Zazai/Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran (capt),  Azmatullah Omarzai,  Mohammad Nabi,  Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat,  Gulbadin Naib,  Mujeeb Ur Rahman,  Naveen-ul-Haq,  Fazalhaq Farooqi

Holkar Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The flat and bash-through-the-line Indore pitch, coupled with a fast outfield and short boundaries, sets the stage for a high-scoring T20I encounter. The last T20I hosted at this venue in October 2022 witnessed a run-fest, with a staggering aggregate of 405 runs. South Africa's Rilee Rossouw showcased his prowess by smashing a breathtaking 48-ball hundred, leaving fans in awe of the batsman-friendly conditions.

Holkar Cricket Stadium-Pitch, Stats and details in T20I

Total matches: 3

Matches won batting first: 2

Matches won bowling first: 1

Average first Inns scores: 209

Average second Inns scores: 164

Highest total recorded: 260/5 (20 Overs) by India vs Sri Lanka

Lowest total recorded: 172/10 (17.2 Overs) by Sri Lanka vs India

Highest score chased: 144/3 (17.3 Overs) by India vs Sri Lanka

Lowest score defended: 227/3 (20 Overs) by South Africa vs India

India vs Afghanistan head-to-head in T20s

Total Matches played: 6

India won: 5

Afghanistan won: 0

No result: 1

Weather report of Indore on 14 January 2024 for India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I

The weather outlook for the upcoming cricket match between India and Afghanistan in Indore appears highly advantageous for an uninterrupted game. There are no expected possibilities of rain, guaranteeing clear skies and optimal playing conditions for both teams. The humidity is projected to be a comfortable 49%, creating a pleasant atmosphere for both players and spectators.

Furthermore, a mild breeze is anticipated at a speed of 13 km/hr, introducing a refreshing element to the air. These conditions provide an ideal setting for a thrilling and competitive cricket match, enabling players to display their skills without any disruptions caused by adverse weather.

India's Squads for T20I series against Afghanistan:- Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.

Afghanistan's Squad for T20I series against  India: Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan.

 The Holkar Stadium is expected to witness intense cricketing action, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of this crucial T20 encounter. As the tension builds and anticipation rises, all eyes will be on the players as they aim to deliver a thrilling spectacle on the cricket field.

The stage is set for an enthralling contest between India and Afghanistan, and cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes T20I series.

India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20 match FAQs 

When does the India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20 begin?

India will take on Afghanistan in the 2nd T20 on January 14  at 6:30 PM IST.

What is the venue of the IND vs AFG 2nd T20?

Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association’s Holkar Stadium in Indore will host India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20.

At what time, the India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20 live toss will take place in Indore?

The India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20 live toss will take place in Indore at 6:30 PM IST.

At what time, IND vs AFG 2nd T20 will begin in Mohali?

The live match time of India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20 is 7:00 PM IST.

Which TV Channels will live telecast the IND vs AFG 2nd T20 match?

The live telecast of India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20 will be available on Sports 18 HD/SD  channel. 

Where to watch the live streaming of India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20?

Jio Cinemas will provide the live streaming of the India vs Afghanistan T20 match in India for free.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set to play T20 World Cup 2024 - Is their return in T20I a good move by BCCI ?

Is it right move to bring Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in T20I squad ?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made a comeback to the T20I squad after 14 long months. Both played last T20I match against England in 2022 T20 World Cup. After the 2022 Semi Final match Selectors give chances to the youngster in T20I and it was anticipated by the experts that BCCI will send an young Team in T20 World Cup 2024 but suddenly one series before the T20 World Cup 2024 Selectors has again turned their face towards these veterans. This posses a question whether this move is in right direction or not? We will have a look at it with an open mind here.

 
A Bid for T20 World Cup Glory

Both Rohit and Virat have played 5 T20 World Cups together but they have not win any T20 World Cup together in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021 and 2022. Although Rohit Sharma has won an inaugural edition of T20 World Cup in 2007 under MS Dhoni Captaincy. Virat Kohli has not won any T20 World Cup. Together both have not won any T20 World Cup. 2024 T20 World Cup will give them chance to win an ICC T20 World Cup trophy together in last leg of their illustrious careers and this will be biggest motivation for both of them to perform their best in this edition of T20 World Cup.

BCCI's Perspective

One of the senior BCCI's official said to the Dainik Bhaskar that BCCI wanted to play with the same team which played last ODI World Cup in 2023. He further stated that team played excellent in recently concluded World Cup although we did not win the trophy. India played aggressive cricket in that tournament and this will help in T20 format also. Both Rohit and Virat were part of core team of ODI World Cup 2023. This makes their comeback into this T20I side. 

Also Read- India's possible XI against Afghanistan

Statistical Brilliance

Let's delve into the numbers that define the T20I prowess of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli:

Player	No. of Matches	Runs Scored	Strike Rate	50/100
Rohit Sharma	148	3853	139.24	29/04
Virat Kohli	115	4008	137.96	37/01

Now Let's see their stats in T20 World Cups 

Player	No. of Matches	Runs Scored	Strike Rate	50/100
Rohit Sharma	39	963	127.88	0/9
Virat Kohli	27	1141	131.30	0/14

Experience Matters

On seeing such record if you are not in wow than I think you are not going to see these type of stats in near future in T20I format. India is blessed to have not one but two such phenomenon players. These numbers do not bring only personal records to table  but these numbers provides vast experience to the Indian team moving forward in T20 World Cup. Playing an young team in series matches is good but in an marquee event you need some experience players like these two. 

 A Modified Approach is what needed from both Rohit and Virat

In a press conference Rohit Sharma once said that we do not need anchor role in T20I anymore and it seems true seeing the present scenario in which T20 games have evolved. So to win the T20 World Cup  both of them will have to modify their approach a little in T20I. We expect Rohit to go hard at the top and Virat to maintain that tempo and the last but not the least the most important expectation of an ICT fan from both of them is to perform in the eliminators matches with a proper intent which is lacking in every edition of ICC tournaments not only with these two but from the whole team.  Rest all are okay with their selection in T20 squad.  It is a very good decision of selectors to include these two in the T20I set up and it will be best if they play T20 World Cup in June in 2024. Whatever buzz is going around will be mum if they won the T20 World Cup but if they fail to do so then this decision may cost an chance to win an ICC trophy for BCCI.

In conclusion, the selectors' decision to include Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I setup is commendable. As they gear up for the T20 World Cup in June 2024, the experienced duo holds the key to India's aspirations for glory in this marquee event.

India's possible XI against Afghanistan after the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in T20Is squad

Rohit Sharma along with Yashasvi Jaiswal to open , Virat Kohli to bat at number 3 : India's possible XI for the T20I series against Afghanistan 

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (pic credit- X)

India is going to host 3 T20I match series starting from 11 January. BCCI announced squad for Afghanistan T20I series on 7 January fans got excited after seeing the names of India's veteran duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the squad. Both senior batters return to T20I squad after 14 months as T20I was not priority due to ODI World Cup 2023. Their return to T20I squad confirms that they are going to play T20 World Cup 2024.  Although opposition team is Afghanistan but this series is important because this will be the last contest of Indian team in T20 format before the ICC T20 World Cup in June this year. So, this will be final opportunity for Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid to finalize the squad for ICC T20 World Cup though some permanent members of the squad like Jasprit, Hardik, Surya is not available this will be opportunity for the management to test some new players.

In this article we will look at the possible XI of India for the 1st T20I against Afghanistan.

Openers 

With Rohit Sharma back in the squad it  is confirmed that he will open the innings. He is likely to be partnered by Yashasvi Jaiswal as the left-hander is an attacking batsman at the top and is likely to get the nod over Shubman Gill. Yashasvi has the ability to give quick start to the team and exert pressure on the bowlers from the opening over. Gill and Yashasvi are likely to compete for one spot in the T20 WC squad that is opening slot. 

Middle-order 

As before, Virat Kohli will bat at 3. He opens the innings for RCB in the IPL, but this will not be the case in international cricket. Although he has opened in Twenty20 Internationals before, but the circumstances were entirely different. Here he will bat at 3. Virat Kohli is likely to be followed by Tilak Varma in absence of Surya Kumar Yadav. The left-handed batsman provides stability at number 4 in TATA IPL for MI and here also his role is going to be similar . Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh will complete the middle-order. Jitesh is likely to be given a long rope by the team management as with current set up India requires a lower order wicket-keeper batsman in this case he also holds an edge over Sanju Samson for a place in the playing XI. Rinku is a confirmed selection in the final XI in absence of designated number 5 and 6 batsman Hardik and Jadeja.

All-rounder 

It is anticipated that Axar Patel will compete with Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi  to get into the starting lineup. In addition to taking wickets, he can contribute with significant runs. In alternative of Ravindra Jadeja he will be like for like. If it is a bouncy pitch then Shivam Dube might get a nod in the 11 depending on condition. 

 Bowlers 

Since Kuldeep Yadav is expected to hold his position, Ravi Bishnoi might not be able to secure a spot. In the second T20I against SA, Kuldeep had a five-for, so there's no need to bench him. Despite being the top-ranked T201 bowler in India, Ravi might have difficulties getting into the World Cup team. The three Twenty20 Internationals in South Africa saw him benched.  The three pacers in the team are Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, and Mukesh Kumar. They appear to be all set to participate in the 

Here is India's possible playing XI for 1st T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali-

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel / Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar

Three match T20I series against Afghanistan set to commence from January 11. 

Here is Schedule for India vs Afghanistan T20I series 2024:

11th January, 1st T20I, Mohali

14th January, 2nd T20I, Indore

17th January, 3rd T20I, Bengaluru

Here is India's T20I squad against Afghanistan:

Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh , Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson(WK), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav,  Arshdeep Singh,  Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar.

India's Squad for T20I against Afghanistan announced - Rohit Sharma set to led Team India and Virat Kohli also back in the squad

 India's Squad for T20I against Afghanistan announced, both Rohit and Virat are back in the squad, Rohit will lead the side.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during World Cup ( pic credit- X)

BCCI on Sunday announced the team for the T20I series against Afghanistan. Both star Indian batsman Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli makes return to the T20I side after 14 months, both last played T20I in 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.  Allrounder Hardik Pandya and Star batsman Surya Kumar Yadav will miss the series due to injury, while Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Buhmrah, Mohammad Shami and Mahammad Siraj is also not available for this series.  KL Rahul Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer also misses the squad their is no clearity on them as of now. 

Here is India's T20I squad against Afghanistan:

Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh , Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson(WK), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav,  Arshdeep Singh,  Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar.

Three match T20I series against Afghanistan set to commence from January 11. 

Here is Schedule for India vs Afghanistan T20I series 2024:

11th January, 1st T20I, Mohali

14th January, 2nd T20I, Indore

17th January, 3rd T20I, Bengaluru

India Squad for Afghanistan T20I series:- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s selection conundrum continues ahead of Afghanistan T20Is

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s selection conundrum continues ahead of Afghanistan T20Is, Jay Sah to big take call ?

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ( pic- X)

With only 4 days left for India vs Afghanistan T20I series Indian Selection committee have not declared the T20I squad for the Series. Initially some reports suggested that the Selection Committee will announce the team on 6th January but no official team was announced on 6th January. But some fresh reports now states that the squad announcement is being delayed due to the dilemma over the selection of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Most probably Selectors will meet tomorrow for announcing the Indian team for Afghanistan T20I series. 

According to a PTI report, Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, may need to decide between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. "It will be on Jay (Shah) how much he can empower  Agarkar's committee. Right now, you have to accept both or give up on both. Under the condition of anonymity, a former national selector told the news agency, "The sensible thing would be to include both for Afghanistan and not make any promise for World T20 until the IPL performance is monitored."

It will be very interesting to see whom Selectors are selecting for this series because the team which will play this series might give an idea about the Indian Team which will play T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Although BCCI will performance of players in IPL 2024 also. It will be IPL 2024 Performance only which might give assurance to an player for T20 World Cup 2024 ticket to play. 

Will Rohit, Virat Be Selected for the T20I Series against Afghanistan?

Well,  a report in PTI has claimed that the Indian squad against Afghanistan is being delayed as the management is taking time to take a call on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. So Indian Cricket Team fans will be keen to see whether Selectors are Selecting them or not. But most probably both Virat and Rohit may play T20i games. 

Also read:- Complete Schedule of T20 World Cup 2024

Meanwhile Afghanistan has announced its team for the T20I series against India.

Afghanistan’s Squad for the three-match T20I Series against India: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan.

India's Squad for Afghanistan's T20I series once announced will be updated here.