NEW DELHI: Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott has expressed his concerns over the absence of star spinner Rashid Khan during their first-ever tour of India. According to Trott, Rashid, who traveled with the team to Chandigarh, has been ruled out of the entire series after captain Ibrahim Zadran stated that the leg-spinner was not fit to play.
Trott, in an interview with JioCinema, mentioned that Rashid’s absence provides an opportunity for other players to step up and take on the responsibility for the team.
“With Rashid out of the side, it’s a good chance for other players to make a name for themselves like he has. Of course, we will miss a player like Rashid and everything he brings to the team, including his leadership. However, it will be interesting to see who will rise to the occasion and handle the pressure just a few months after the World Cup,” Trott said.
In the absence of Rashid, Afghanistan’s spin attack will consist of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, and Sharafuddin Ashraf.
However, they will face a tough challenge as Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and experienced batsman Virat Kohli will be making their return to T20Is after being away from the format for over a year.
Meanwhile, in the first game of the series, Kohli will not be part of the playing XI due to personal reasons, as confirmed by head coach Rahul Dravid during the pre-match press conference.
Afghanistan’s inaugural bilateral series against India will commence on Thursday in Mohali, followed by the second game on January 14 in Indore. The series will conclude on January 17 in Bengaluru.
Afghanistan squad: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan.
(With inputs from ANI)