Aoba Tanaka 
India’s batting stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have officially communicated their availability for selection in the T20 International format, as reported by The Indian Express. Despite their absence from T20 Internationals since the 2022 T20 World Cup, both players have expressed their readiness to don the blue jersey in the upcoming series.
The selection committee is scheduled to convene on Friday to finalize the squad for the upcoming three T20 matches against Afghanistan and the initial two Tests against England. The series against Afghanistan is set to commence on January 11, while the much-anticipated five-match Test series against England kicks off on January 25.
With Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav ruled out due to injuries, the selection committee faces the task of appointing a new captain for the T20s. The absence of Pandya and Yadav opens up opportunities for fresh leadership within the squad.
In another significant development, the selection committee is contemplating resting fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah for the forthcoming games against Afghanistan. The duo played pivotal roles in India’s commanding victory over South Africa in Cape Town on Thursday, leveling the two-match series. The strategic decision to rest Siraj and Bumrah is aimed at ensuring their peak fitness for the upcoming Test matches against England.
The Indian team management, with an eye on the extended series against England at home, aims to keep its two in-form pacers in prime condition. The presence of selectors SS Das, Salil Ankola, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Cape Town adds an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming squad announcements.
