India vs Afghanistan, 3rd T20I preview: With the series in the bag, the Rohit Sharma-led side will look to experiment as the bench players look to make a case for their inclusion in the World Cup squad.
As the Indian cricket team gears up for the third and final T20 International against Afghanistan at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the stakes are relatively low with the series already secured in India’s favour. However, the third T20I between India and Afghanistan, scheduled to be played on January 17th, is far from inconsequential. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, it presents a prime opportunity for the Men in Blue to fine-tune their squad and strategies.
India’s performance thus far has been nothing short of dominant, with comprehensive victories in the first two matches of the series. The Indian team has showcased an aggressive approach, chasing down targets with a significant number of overs to spare, which marks a departure from their earlier strategy of conserving wickets for a late assault. This new mindset has been evident in their successful pursuits of 159 and 173 runs in the previous games, completed in 17.4 and 15.4 overs respectively.
Despite numerous positives, Rohit’s recent struggle to make an impact has been a minor concern. He was run out in the first match due to a mix-up with Shubman Gill, and misjudging Fazalhaq Farooqi’s length led to his downfall in Indore. While his two-run tally across two matches may not be alarming, the team management hopes to see him finish the series with a substantial innings.
Axar Patel, who was awarded Man of the Match in the previous game for his economical spell and milestone of 200 T20 wickets, will look to continue his form. His all-round abilities have been a boon for India, providing balance to the side. The spin department, with the likes of Ravi Bishnoi, could also exploit the conditions during the middle overs, despite the pitch’s inclination toward batting.
India may not make significant changes to the batting lineup, but there’s a chance to provide game-time for Kuldeep Yadav and Avesh Khan. Kuldeep could replace either Ravi Bishnoi or Washington Sundar, while Avesh might take the place of fellow pacer Mukesh Kumar. Jitesh Sharma has been the wicketkeeper-batter since the fourth T20I against Australia last year, and if there’s a need for rest, Sanju Samson is a viable option.
For Afghanistan, the challenge remains steep. Their bowlers have struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, and they will need to step up their game significantly to pose any threat. The Afghan Atalan will rely on the likes of Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to bring their experience into play and attempt to keep the Indian scoring in check.
India’s batting lineup looks formidable, with Virat Kohli returning to the fold and players like Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal showcasing their prowess. Rohit Sharma, despite back-to-back ducks, will be eager to make a statement before the World Cup. The lower middle order, including Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh, has shown promise as finishers, adding depth to the batting.
This match also provides a platform for bench players to make a case for their inclusion in the World Cup squad. With the series already decided, it’s an ideal time for experimentation and giving opportunities to those who have been waiting in the wings.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, will look to salvage some pride and end the series on a high note. Their improved batting performance in the second match, albeit in a losing cause, suggests that they have the potential to post competitive totals. Players like Najibullah Zadran and Karim Janat will be crucial in putting up a strong fight against the Indian bowling attack.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for its batting-friendly pitch and small boundaries, is expected to facilitate another high-scoring encounter. Historically, the venue has favored the batsmen, with an average first innings score hovering around 154 runs. Teams chasing have won five out of the eight T20Is played here, indicating that winning the toss and opting to bowl first might be the preferred choice for captains.
