IND vs AFG: Why Yashasvi Jaiswal isn't included in India playing XI despite being confirmed by head coach Rahul Dravid ?

Yashasvi Jaiswal is not included in India’s playing XI for IND vs AFG first T20I in Mohali.

India and Afghanistan are currently engaging in a three-match T20 international series, which commenced on January 11th in Mohali. However, the first match witnessed a surprising turn of events as Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was initially confirmed to open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma, finds himself excluded from the playing XI.

The intrigue deepens when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) updated on Jaiswal’s absence, citing a sore right groin as the reason for his unavailability in the opening encounter. This revelation comes despite the assurance from head coach Rahul Dravid.

Yashasvi Jaiswal not part of first T20I against Afghanistan

Dravid during the pre-match conference, expressed his plans for Jaiswal to partner with Rohit at the top- order. Dravid’s statement hinted at the strategic advantage of introducing a right-hand, left-hand combination to keep the opposition on their toes. He said, “Yashasvi is expected to open with Rohit. It also gives us the chance to play right-hand, left-hand combo.” 

India won the toss and have opted to bowl first. Shubman Gill got the nod to open the batting along with Rohit Sharma in lieu of Jaiswal.

BCCI’s announcement and Dravid’s pre-match optimism raises eyebrows. The sore right groin, as cited by the BCCI, underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of cricket, where even the best-laid plans can be altered by unexpected setbacks. Injuries are an unfortunate and integral part of any sport, capable of reshaping strategies at the last minute.

India have gone in with two specialist spinners, two pacers and two all-rounders for the first T20I against Afghanistan.

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