After another disappointing loss in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, India will take on Afghanistan next on Wednesday, November 3 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Batting first, Indian batters failed to make an impact. They managed only 110 runs in 20 overs, with Ravindra Jadeja top-scoring in the innings with 26 runs. In reply, the kiwis chased down the score in 14.3 overs. Daryl Mitchell scored 49 runs, in 35 deliveries, helping New Zealand to register their first victory. For India, Jasprit Bumrah picked two wickets, while the rest of the bowlers went wicketless.
New Zealand win the game, but #TeamIndia will look to make amends in their next match of the #T20WorldCup. #INDvNZ
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/ZXELFVZhDp pic.twitter.com/Bvkz3BHshm
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 31, 2021
With two losses in as many games in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 so far, the Indian team is living on the edge in the qualifications race. The Virat Kohli-led team needs to introspect ahead of the upcoming matches. It will be interesting to see if India makes any changes to their playing combination.
On that note, let’s take a look at India’s predicted playing XI against Afghanistan.
1. KL Rahul
The Indian opener, KL Rahul got off to a decent start against New Zealand, scoring three boundaries. However, he could not convert his start into a substantial score as he was dismissed for 18 runs by Southee.
The right-handed batter will be disappointed with his performance so far in the tournament. However, the Indian will back KL Rahul to come back to his best, in the upcoming matches.
2. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma was sent one down against New Zealand as Ishan Kishan took up the opening spot. The Vice-captain, scored a run-a-ball 14, before getting caught behind against Ish Sodhi.
Rohit Sharma has been a match-winner for India over the years. He needs to get going in the upcoming match, to keep India alive in the tournament.
3. Virat Kohli
The Indian skipper, Virat Kohli must be disappointed with the performance of the team in the last two matches. Personally, Kohli performed well against Pakistan. However, he was dismissed cheaply against New Zealand by Ish Sodhi.
Virat Kohli is the heart of the Indian batting line-up. With India in a do-or-die situation, the skipper needs to pull his team together for the upcoming challenger.
4. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan replaced an un-fit Suryakumar Yadav in the playing XI against New Zealand. He was sent to open the innings, along with KL Rahul, to utilize the powerplay. However, the left-hander was dismissed early for 4 runs by Trent Boult.
Ishan Kishan is expected to retain his side in the playing XI for the next game. India will be hoping that the wicket-keeper batter, plays to his potential.
5. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya had a decent outing in the last game against New Zealand. He scored 23 runs with the bat, including a boundary. The all-rounder also bowled a couple of overs in the match. He conceded 17 runs at an economy rate of 8.5.
With Hardik Pandya resuming to bowl, the Indian team will be hoping he contributes more with the ball.
6. Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant has been a match-winner for India across formats in the last couple of years. He has the ability to turn the match on its head from any situation of the match. However, we are yet to see his fireworks in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
The wicket-keeper batter was dismissed for 12 runs against New Zealand. With India looking to turn the tide in the tournament, Rishabh Pant will be a key player for the side.
7. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja was the top scorer for India in the match against New Zealand. He helped India, to go past 100 runs and set a target of 111 for the kiwis. The all-rounder scored 26 runs in 19 balls, including 2 boundaries and a six.
With the ball, Jadeja bowled two overs, conceding 23 runs at an economy rate of 11.5.
8. Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur replaced a struggling Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the playing XI against New Zealand. The all-rounder had a forgettable outing both with the bat and the ball. He was dismissed for a three-ball duck by Trent Boult and also conceded 17 runs at an economy rate of 11.3.
However, before this game, Shardul has been in good form and is likely to feature against Afghanistan.
9. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah picked two wickets for India against New Zealand. He dismissed both the Kiwi openers, Martin Guptill for 20 runs and Daryl Mitchell for 49 runs. The pacer was also very economical, only conceding 19 runs in his four overs.
However, he did not get much support from the others, as India lost by 8 wickets. The Indian team will be hoping, Bumrah continues his performance, as he holds the key for the side.
10. Mohammad Shami
Mohammad Shami has proved to be expensive for India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 so far. He gave away runs at an economy rate of 11.2 against Pakistan. The pacer also conceded 11 runs in his solitary over against New Zealand, with no wickets to his name.
With India in a must-win situation, Mohammad Shami needs to pull up his socks.
11. Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy came in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 on the back of an impressive performance in IPL 2021. However, he hasn’t been able to replicate the same so far in the tournament. Varun has not picked a single wicket in the tournament so far.
The mystery spinner is likely to be backed by the team to come good in the upcoming match.
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