Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's selection predicament is causing a delay in finalizing India's T20I squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan. 

Rohit sharma and Virat Kohli together


According to reports, Set to commence on August 11 in Mohali. The national selectors are facing a challenge in choosing between the two cricketing stalwarts, and this indecision has led to the postponement of squad selection. Presently, there is speculation that both players might be included in the squad, but with the stipulation that their form during the IPL will be a crucial factor for their selection in the T20 World Cup team, as per news agency PTI.


Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, engaged in discussions during the Newlands Test in South Africa, where both Kohli and Sharma expressed their availability for the T20Is. However, no final decision was reached during this meeting, and additional discussions may be necessary. It is anticipated that Jay Shah, the influential secretary of the BCCI, may play a decisive role in resolving the matter.


Concerns have been raised regarding external pressures and the flexibility required in team selection. The suggestion is to include both players for the Afghanistan series and postpone any commitments for the World T20 until after monitoring their performance in the IPL.


The issue of team balance is also under consideration, especially if both Rohit and Kohli are included in the playing XI. Questions arise about the absence of a left-hander in the top order if they form part of the same lineup. The alternative would be dropping Kohli and adjusting the batting order, which would require a bold decision from Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors.


In the event that both Rohit and Kohli are selected, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan would be the ones to miss out. Kishan, being a left-handed keeper-batsman and a top-order batting option, would be a notable omission.


Additionally, the inclusion of both star players would necessitate playing Jitesh Sharma as the wicketkeeper, alongside Rinku Singh, leaving room for only five bowlers, with Hardik Pandya expected to bowl his quota of four overs per game after recovering from his injury layoff.