(Image Source: BCCI)
[Saba Sports News] India commenced their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan on January 11 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. During the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma amusingly forgot his team’s lineup. He won the toss, chose to bowl, and started listing the players who weren’t playing. He mentioned Sanju Samson, Avesh Khan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, but needed a reminder from commentator Murali Kartik about Kuldeep Yadav, whom he had discussed pre-toss.
This incident adds to Rohit’s history of forgetfulness, as he has previously been uncertain about his decision at the toss in an ODI. Even Virat Kohli has humorously mentioned Rohit’s tendency to forget personal items in hotels or flights.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was sidelined from the first T20I due to a sore right groin. Head coach Rahul Dravid had planned for Jaiswal to open with Rohit, who was returning to T20Is after a 14-month break.
Rohit last featured in the T20 World Cup 2022, where India’s campaign ended in the semi-finals. He had a challenging tournament, managing only 116 runs in six innings. With key players Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav injured, Rohit was recalled as captain for the Afghanistan series, alongside Virat Kohli.