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[Saba Sports News] Rohit Sharma returned as India’s T20I captain, announcing the side’s playing XI for the first T20I of the three-match series, scheduled in Mohali.
Rohit, who is playing a T20I after 14 months, will open the innings. While Yashasvi Jaiswal was expected to be the other opener, a sore right groin ruled him out of the fixture, informed the BCCI.
In Jaiswal’s place, Shubman Gill has received an opportunity at the top of the order.
Virat Kohli is unavailable for the clash. Therefore, Tilak Varma, who can also be a useful off-spinner, will bat at No.3.
Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are the three all-rounders in the line-up.
Rinku Singh will don the role of a finisher, while Jitesh Sharma has been selected over Sanju Samson in the wicket-keeper’s role.
Ravi Bishnoi is the spinner, while Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh are the pacers in the XI.
Apart from Jaiswal and Samson, Avesh Khan and Kuldeep Yadav are sitting on the bench.
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar