Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya ruled out of Afghanistan series

Suryakumar Yadav & Hardik Pandya. (Photo Source: MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP via Getty Images)

Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya will not be available for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan, which is slated to begin on January 11. The star all-rounder, who led the national team in multiple T20I matches in the absence of Rohit Sharma, is yet to recover from his ankle injury. The 30-year-old is currently going through rehab and focusing on strength and conditioning. He is very likely to make his return during the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League.

Yadav too is likely to make his return during the mega tournament. He hurt his ankle during the series against South Africa and has undergone surgery soon after that. Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad too is unavailable following a finger injury.

On the other hand, it’s still unclear whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be available for selection. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently went to South Africa to have a meeting with the duo, and following which, it was confirmed by several media outlets, that the veteran batters are likely to continue in the shortest format. 

As per ESPNcricinfo, the selectors are likely to announce the squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series on Sunday evening. More information regarding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will come to light after the announcement. It also needs to be seen if BCCI backs Rohit to lead the team or if Hardik and Suryakumar are considered for the role during the mega tournament. In case the selectors back that though, Shubman Gill might be seen leading in the Afghanistan series.

The focus will also be on the bowling unit. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are likely to be rested to focus on the five-match Test series against England. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi are likely to lead the bowling unit, with Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan likely to feature in the pace department.