Why wasn’t Ishan Kishan in the T20I series against Afghanistan? Rahul Dravid gives a clear explanation.

Many people are talking about Ishan Kishan not being in the Indian cricket team for the T20I series against Afghanistan. Some say he skipped the Test series against South Africa for personal reasons, and others think his trip to Dubai and a TV game show affected his selection. 

But the head coach, Rahul Dravid, denied these rumors in a press conference before the first T20I. Dravid said Kishan asked for rest and hasn’t made himself available for selection yet.

KL Rahul is also not in the squad for the Afghanistan T20I series. Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson are the chosen wicket-keepers. This series is crucial as it’s the only T20I series before the T20 World Cup 2024, a chance to show skills.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to T20 format after 14 months. Their performance against Afghanistan will be closely watched. This series is India’s last before the T20 World Cup, giving clarity on the team’s standing before the ICC event in the Americas. 

The final 15 for the World Cup will depend on IPL‘s performance. Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan is not playing due to a back surgery last November. 

Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran said they’ll miss Rashid in the series, but the team is ready for any situation.