Ajinkya Rahane is all set to lead India in the one-off test against Afghanistan in the absence of India’s current main skipper Virat Kohli who will be heading to represent Surrey in the county championship to prepare for the series against England. Ajinkya Rahane, India’s Vice Captain has been given the duty to lead India against Afghanistan in the only test to be played on June 14.
The national selecting committee will meet on Tuesday (8th of May) to announce six different squads for one-off Test against Afghanistan, India ‘A’ team for tour of England, ‘A’ team for tri-series involving England ‘A’ and West Indies ‘A’, T20 squad for tour of Ireland, T20 squad for tour of England, One-day squad for matches in England.
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Whereas Virat Kohli will be joining the team once India embarks itself in Ireland, followed by long series of two T20Is in Ireland, followed by three T20Is in England, three ODIs in England and the five Tests.
On the other hand, Cheteshwar Pujara will be also available for the series as the test player has finished his stint with Yorkshire.
Openers KL Rahul, Murali Vijay will be taking part alongside with Ravichandran Ashwin, Dinesh Karthik, and explosive MI all-rounder Krunal Pandya is expected to take part in T20 games against England after his breathtaking performances in IPL 2018.
Dinesh Karthik who has been in a very fine form will be crucial for team India overseas, despite Mahendra Singh Dhoni making his presence behind the wicket. Karthik has been playing cricket for India since a long period of time so taking him England to play will benefit the visitors.
Meanwhile, constant players like Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Hardik Pandya will get a chance to play in the only test against Afghanistan and England as well.