Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to the Indian squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, starting January 11. However, Ishan Kishan has been dropped from the squad in favor of wicket-keeper batsmen Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma.

Kishan has been a regular member of the Indian squad for the past few years, having played 2 Tests, 27 ODIs and 32 T20Is for India. He is considered a specialist in the T20 format, but has suddenly disappeared from the national team.

This trend started after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in October. He requested to return home midway through the tour of South Africa, citing personal reasons. Now, Samson and Sharma have been selected for the T20I series against Afghanistan. KL Rahul has taken over Kishan's responsibilities in the Test and ODI squads.

Since the BCCI announced the squad on Sunday night, speculation has been rife about the possible reasons for his exclusion. There is talk that the BCCI took this decision to discipline him for appearing on a television show without permission. On the other hand, he has not yet informed the BCCI about his availability after taking permission to leave the team in South Africa on December 17.

This has all created curiosity. The BCCI has made no attempt to stop speculation by giving a reason for his non-selection. Kishan is known to be in India, but contact with him has not been possible. Some of his Jharkhand teammates also tried to contact him.

The 25-year-old wicket-keeper batsman decided not to play for the state in the first round match against Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy tournament that ended on Monday. The state association officials have informed Cricbuzz that they will contact Kishan and take a decision on his selection by Tuesday evening.

Kishan was not considered for any of the three T20Is in South Africa. In the last three T20Is he played against Australia at home in November, he scored two half-centuries before being dismissed for zero in the other match. According to reports, the BCCI is looking for an alternative to Kishan for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Tags :Ishan KishanRohit sharmVirat kolhi2024 men's T20 World Cup