xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: As the Indian Cricket Team gears up for their final away tour of 2023, focusing on the T20 World Cup 2024, the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faces crucial decisions. The upcoming India Tour of South Africa, commencing on December 10 with a three-match T20 series, prompts the committee to decide on the T20I returns of either Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli or both as they are pivotal players in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya's fitness concerns may pave the way for Suryakumar Yadav to continue leading the side.

The Test squad announcement is deferred until after the India A series, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set to make their return for the two-match Test series starting on December 26. ODIs take a backseat, potentially allowing an extended break for Kohli and Sharma if they are excluded from the T20 squad.

Selectors grapple with decisions on Suryakumar Yadav's workload, considering a break for the World No 1 T20 batter. The T20 squad is expected to mirror the one against Australia, with Jasprit Bumrah possibly enjoying an extended break until the Test series. KL Rahul's potential return to T20Is, after being in exile like Rohit and Kohli, adds to the selection conundrum, with captaincy considerations also in the mix for the T20 World Cup 2024 preparations.