Rohit Sharma Returns to T20 in India-Afghanistan Series

Despite an early exit in the first match, Sharma's return to the T20 format after 14 months is a key focus in the series against Afghanistan, which is India's last international T20 series ahead of the World Cup.

India's cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is making a comeback into the T20 format after 14 months, in a series against Afghanistan. Sharma's performance was under focus in the first T20I, but his stay at the crease was shortened after a mix-up with fellow opener Shubman Gill, leading to Sharma being run out on 0.
Despite Sharma's early departure, India managed to dominate the powerplay in the first T20, reducing Afghanistan to 57 for three in 10 overs. A lively 68-run partnership off 43 balls between Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai lifted Afghanistan to 158 for five.
Rohit Sharma also forgot the playing XI of the team during the toss, leading to a humorous moment that went viral on social media. This is Sharma's first T20I since the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Star batter Virat Kohli, who was also returning to the T20I side, will not play the first T20I due to personal reasons. Kohli's role in the shortest format for India has been discussed with BCCI selectors, according to reports.
The three-match series against Afghanistan is India's last international T20 series ahead of the T20 World Cup. The performance of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the series will be closely watched as India prepares for the World Cup.