India’s T20I and Test teams for the forthcoming home series versus New Zealand are expected to be named within the next 24 hours. Despite Virat Kohli stepping down, it would be almost expected that Rohit Sharma would take over as captain in T20Is. While Rohit has been selected captain for the first Test versus New Zealand, Kohli expected to rest and then take over for the 2nd and final Tests.
Kohli is also expected to miss the T20I series, as are other prominent players including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Varun Chakravarthy, who stepped out without a wicket in 3 T20 World Cup games, may also let his position to Harshal Patel, who received the Purple Cap in the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Don’t read much into Virat resting for the initial matches, said the source
According to the reports, considering a drop in form during the England tour, Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane may be given another opportunity, whereas KL Rahul will be selected T20I vice-captain.
Also, the World Cup team’s traveling reserves, Deepak Chahar and Shreyas Iyer will be part of the team. Rahul Chahar appeared in only one World Cup match, allowing 30 wicketless runs versus Namibia. However, he is anticipated to be kept in the team, considering there is currently no update on Yuzvendra Chahal’s return.
In terms of Rohit Sharma being named captain for the first Test, insiders close to the situation have clarified that it is simply a temporary decision, and Kohli will take command for the 2nd Test. “Please don’t read much into Virat resting for the initial matches. He’ll be back to captain the team from the second Test. The Test team is his and he’s done phenomenally well,” the sources said.
The three-match Twenty20 International series will start on 17th November in Jaipur, Ranchi, and Kolkata, accordingly, whereas the Test series will begin on 25th November in Kanpur and Mumbai.
