"I don't see this series as a selection series for the World Cup": Parthiv Patel on Afghanistan series

Parthiv Patel (Pic: AFP)

Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel feels that the Afghanistan T20I series is not a selection series ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He also feels the inclusion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Indian side indicates their selection for the World Cup squad.

The stars of the Indian cricket team Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have returned to the the T20I format after almost a year. Indian skipper Rohit could not score runs in the first two games as he departed for ducks. Virat Kohli featuring in the second T20I scored 29 off 16 deliveries.

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"I don't see this series as a selection series for the World Cup. I don't think any player performing or not will impact their chances of World Cup selection, specially when you are talking about Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. Once you have picked them for the series, it means they are going for the World Cup. For Rohit Sharma personally, he would like to score runs. He likes to set the tone and if he gets in, he would like to make it a big one," Partiv said as quoted from JioCinema.

In the first two games, the hosts showcased a stupendous show and secured a lead of 2-0 over Afghanistan. Shivam Dube shone brightly in both games by scoring 60 runs in the first match and 63 runs in the second innings. He also picked one wicket in each match.

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Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Saba Karim feels that the "Men in Blue" should again look to chase down the target and test their batting depth in the final T20I match.

"I hope they do that in Bengaluru. Not only to put the bowlers under scanner but also to check the depth of your batting. Players like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, who come down the order, may get a look in. Then you can understand if you want to play three seamers or spinners in the playing XI, once Hardik Pandya comes in," Karim said.

India has already clinched the series by gaining an unassailable 2-0 lead over Afghanistan. Both teams will face each other at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

(With ANI Inputs)