Why are Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma not playing 2nd T20I between India vs Afghanistan 2024?

India and Afghanistan are all set to lock horns in the second T20I of the three-game series at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 14. India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to field first against the visitors.

The Men in Blue made two changes to their playing XI as they decided to bench Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma eager to seal the series. India's ace batter Virat Kohli and youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal who missed the opening game have been picked at their place. It should be underlined that Kohli will be making a comeback to the T20I setup after more than a year with the former India captain having played in the game's shortest format on November 10, 2022.

Click here: IND vs AFG Live Score, 2nd T20I

Gill's performance did not meet expectations in the first game in Mohali, where he scored 23 off 12 deliveries. Notably, India head coach Rahul Dravid had stated that Jaiswal will open the innings with Rohit in the series opener. However, a sore right groin forced him to step aside from selection which paved the way for Gill to open the innings.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has also been left out of selection for the second consecutive time in the ongoing series as Jitesh Sharma continues to don the gloves ahead of the Kerala-born cricketer. Jitesh had played a prominent role in the first T20I, having scored a quick 20-ball 31 runs while chasing a below-par 159-run target.

Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Rinku Singh are also included in XI alongside Shivam Dubey, the show-stealer in Mohali. Ravi Bishoi secured his place this time as well and alongside Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Washington Sundar, they will enhance India's bowling prowess.

Afghanistan picks Noor Ahmed ahead of Rahmat Shah

Afghanistan, on the other hand, brought in left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmed in place of Rahmat Shah. Although they suffered a major blow with the absence of spin wizard Rashid Khan, they possess formidable bowlers, who can pose a threat to the Indian batting lineup. The Ibrahim Zadran-led side will look to win the game in order to stay alive in the series.