IND vs AFG: Rohit, Kohli to be rested for Afghanistan series: In an important development the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is mulling resting senior pros of team India for the forthcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. The three-match IND vs AFG ODI series is likely to be played with a second-string Indian side with the top Indian players receiving a breather.
As per the reports, the three-match ODI series between IND and AFG was, earlier, in danger of getting wiped out due to a gruelling Indian cricketing calendar. However, the home series against Afghanistan will go ahead with India fielding its second-string side.
The itinerary for the three-match ODI series between IND and AFG is yet to be announced by the BCCI. India and Afghanistan are likely to play out the mini-series in the third and fourth week of June, after India’s WTC 2023 Final stint in England.
Most Indian players took part in the tedious IPL 2023 and they will also take part in the upcoming WTC Final against Australia. Team India is also set to tour West Indies for a full-fledged tour which includes two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is from July 12 to August 13. Hence it’s imperative for the BCCI to keep senior players fit and fresh keeping in mind the World Cup ahead.
Furthermore, India will tour Ireland, after the completion of the West Indies tour, for a three-match T20I series. If the reports are believed, top Indian players [Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammad Shami and Mohammad Siraj among others] are also likely to skip the tour and focus on 50-over cricket.
Hardik Pandya will lead the second-string Indian side which will have a long list of fresh faces. The likes of Tilak Verma, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad among others will get some game time in the absence of the senior players.
The details of the India-Afghanistan three-match ODI series will be finalised in the next couple of days. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) President Mirwais Ashraf is in India for the IPL 2023 Final and will meet the Indian counterparts.
India starts WTC Final Preparation
Meanwhile, team India has begun its final phase of training for the all-important ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final against Australia. Some players have already landed in England for the marquee clash, while a couple of them will arrive in due time after disposing of their IPL duties.
The ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 will be played from June 7-11 at the Oval in London between India and Australia. The squads are already revealed by both cricket boards.
The BCCI shared a few pictures of Indian players and support staff in London as they kickstart their preparation.
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For more details head to BCCI’s official website.
