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IIE Digital Desk:  India's star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have reportedly confirmed their availability for the T20 format, marking their return since the 2022 T20 World Cup. According to the Indian Express, the selection committee's meeting is scheduled for Friday, when the squad for the upcoming T20 series against Afghanistan and the first two Tests against England will be decided.

India's cricket calendar sees the team facing Afghanistan in three T20 Internationals starting January 11, followed by a five-match Test series against England kicking off on January 25. These matches against Afghanistan will be India's only T20Is before the World Cup in June.

With key players Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav sidelined due to injuries, the selection committee is tasked with appointing a new captain for the T20 series. This opens up an opportunity for fresh leadership in the team's shortest format.

In a related development, fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be rested for the T20 matches against Afghanistan. Both played pivotal roles in India's commanding victory over South Africa in Cape Town, helping to draw the two-match series. However, according to the report, these pacers are being reserved for the Test series against England, with the team management focusing on keeping them in prime condition for the challenging home series.

Selectors SS Das, Salil Ankola, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who were present in Cape Town for the second Test against South Africa, will be involved in these crucial selection decisions.