As the cricketing world prepares for the next T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States later this year, the Indian cricket squad is experiencing a makeover that may determine its chances in the competition. The three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which begins today at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, represents a crucial milestone in this process, with Rohit Sharma at the helm and a renewed emphasis on developing young talent.

India's semifinal exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia prompted selectors to make bold moves. Senior pros Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dropped from the T20 squad, ushering in a new era under Hardik Pandya's captaincy. Young batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Jitesh Sharma took advantage of their opportunity, while bowlers Mukesh Kumar, Ravi Bishnoi, and Arshdeep Singh contributed significantly.

However, the start of the new year has prompted a shift in policy. Rohit Sharma not only returns to the T20I squad, but he also takes over as captain again. According to head coach Rahul Dravid, Rohit and Jaiswal will take over the opening slot from Shubman Gill. Virat Kohli's return is also expected, though he will miss the first T20I due to personal reasons, allowing Gill to play at No. 3.

The selection decisions demonstrate the team management's emphasis on experience and a mix of youth, laying the groundwork for a critical series against Afghanistan. Dravid's statement that "nothing is closed for anyone" demonstrates the team's adaptability and ongoing hunt for the optimal combination.

The attention is firmly on Rohit Sharma, who not only leads the team but also hopes to reignite his T20 hitting abilities. Questions remain regarding whether Rohit and Kohli fit into India's T20I format, particularly given their recent strike rates. The series against Afghanistan serves as a litmus test, allowing an opportunity for the two to rethink their T20 strategy and address worries regarding power-hitting resources down the order.

Rashid Khan's absence from the Afghanistan squad while recovering from lower-back surgery, as well as Virat Kohli's absence for the first T20I, bring new angles to the series. Rohit's leadership, as well as the performances of developing players like Jaiswal, Varma, and Singh, will be closely watched as the team prepares to finalize its T20 World Cup roster.

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India vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I: Mohali Pitch report

The PCA Stadium in Mohali has traditionally been a superb batting surface, but it also helps pacers with its real bounce. In the most recent T20I encounter played at this site, Australia successfully chased down a target of 209. The average first-inning score of 183 reflects Mohali's batsman-friendly pitch. Teams chasing a target have had a better overall record at the venue.

The Mohali surface, famed for its batting-friendly nature and real bounce, sets the setting for a thrilling battle of bat and ball. The weather forecast predicts a cool evening with dew, which could influence the captain's decision at the toss.

India vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I: Mohali weather forecast

The city of Mohali will be cold on Thursday evening, with a high temperature of 14 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature as low as 9 degrees in the end. Fortunately, there is no risk of rain on matchday. Dew could play a role, therefore the captain winning the toss may be tempted to bowl first.

As India and Afghanistan clash in the first T20I, the selectors are keeping a close eye on possible World Cup prospects. The series is an important opportunity for players to press their claim to a berth on the squad that will travel to the United States and the West Indies.

Squads

India Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi/Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar

Afghanistan Probable XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Ibrahim Zadran (C), Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Qais Ahmad, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad/Naveen-ul-Haq, 

In conclusion, the series against Afghanistan signals the start of India's T20 World Cup preparation. The return of seasoned campaigners, combined with the development of new talent, creates the impression of a team in transition. The trip begins in Mohali, with the 2024 IPL serving as the ultimate test of India's T20 preparation. As the cricketing world watches, the drama unfolds, with each player's performance adding a new chapter to India's T20 journey.

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