India captain Virat Kohli has been named in the Asia XI squad to face World XI in two-match series. KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami are other five Indian players who will be representing Asia XI team. Both Rahul and Kohli will only be available for one of the two T20Is. Also, Kohli’s participation in the match isn’t confirmed yet.
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Dhawan is currently out of action due to a shoulder injury but his inclusion means that he is now fit and will return to competitive cricket next month.
Rishabh, Kuldeep and Shami’s inclusion in the squad means they will be missing the third ODI against South Africa which takes place on March 18. Rahul is unlikely to be rested for the SA series and will only be available for the second T20I.
On the other hand, Kohli is highly likely to be rested for the three ODIs. He was a part of India squad for complete series against New Zealand and the team management is expected to rest him for the home series. If available, Kohli might play first T20I for Asia XI.
Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Mustafizur Rahman and Mushfiqur Rahim are four local players who will be part of two-match series. Thisara Perera and Lasith Malinga are two Sri Lanka players who have been named in the squad.
Sri Lanka also play international fixtures during the series but none of two players play longest format now. Perera hasn’t played a first-class game for two years now while Malinga retired from Test cricket back in 2011.
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The 15-member squad also includes Afghanistan’s leg-spin duo Rashid Khan and Mujeeb-urRahman. They will be assisted by Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane. The two T20Is of the series take place on March 18 and 21 at Shere Bangla Stadium in Dhaka.
Squad: Virat Kohli (not confirmed yet), KL Rahul (available for one match), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Musfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Sandeep Lamichhane, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga