Mukesh Kumar

The absence of star Indian pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj provided an opportunity for other players to display their skills. In the first T20I clash against Afghanistan, speedster Mukesh Kumar bagged two of the important wickets. First, he dismissed Azmatullah Omarzai with a stunning delivery and then went on to dismiss Afghanistan's veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. Kumar conceded 33 runs in his four-over spell

Axar Patel

All-rounder Axar Patel led India's spin attack in the first match. Patel successfully gave the breakthrough to his side by dismissing Afghanistan's opening batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 23 runs. Patel on Thursday didn't get a chance to contribute with the bat but also didn't disappoint with the ball. In his four overs, he conceded just 23 runs by picking two wickets

Shivam Dube

Returning to India's T20I side after a long time, Shivam Dube on Thursday was successful in contributing with the bat and ball. He first picked the wicket of the Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran for 25 runs. Later, while chasing the target, Dube put on an extraordinary show with the willow. He smashed a fabulous 60 runs in just 40 deliveries. During his knock, he struck 2 monstrous sixes and 5 fours. He received the "Player of the Match" award for his contribution to the team's win

Rinku Singh

India's emerging star Rinku Singh continued to show his prowess with the bat. In the first T20I clash, Singh smashed 16 runs in nine balls. His knock was included by 2 fours. Due to his ability to change the gears when required in the game, former India speedster Ashish Nehra mentioned earlier that he would be one of the players in the contention list for India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Jitesh Sharma

India's wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma also showcased his skills with the bat against Afghanistan. He played a quick-fire knock of 31 runs in 20 balls including 5 fours