India's Predicted XI vs Afghanistan, 2nd T20I: Who Will Make Way For Virat Kohli?

After a convincing victory in the first T20I against Afghanistan, the Indian cricket team gears up for the second match of the series, with returning Virat Kohli in focus. The talismanic batter missed the series opener due to a personal commitment but is back and available for selection in the second T20I of the 3-match assignment. Kohli, who hasn't featured in a T20I for India since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2022, will be keen to impress, especially keeping the selection for next year's World Cup in mind.

Kohli's selection is one of the biggest talking points ahead of the second T20I, with fans and experts contemplating which player to drop to make space for the veteran batter.

As far as the opening combination is concerned, it is likely that Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will bat at the top of the order, with Kohli coming in at the No. 3 spot. With Kohli coming back, Tilak Varma is likely to be dropped to the bench.

Shivam Dube, who did very well with both the bat and the ball in the first T20I, slots in at the No. 3 spot, with wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma taking the No. 5 spot. Rinku Singh, the team's specialist finisher, is a certain pick at the No. 6 spot.

When it comes to all-rounders, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar emerge as the two strong options. Both are likely to be picked for the second T20I. Ravi Bishnoi, as a specialist spinner, makes it a 3-spin bowling attack for the Indian team.

Arsshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar are the two seamers in the team, with Dube also expected to chip in with 2-3 overs of seam bowling if required.

India's predicted playing XI for 2nd T20I vs Afghanistan: Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma(w), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel,