Today’s India v Afghanistan clash could be a high-scoring encounter after South Africa made a record 428 runs against SL at this venue on Saturday
India captain Rohit Sharma during a practice session before the match v Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium yesterday. Pic/AFP
The Indian top-order batsmen would be rubbing their hands in glee at the prospect of playing on a batting paradise at the Kotla after having a nightmarish time on a low and slow track at the Chepauk stadium in Chennai.
Against Australia the other night, three of the top four batsmen—captain Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer—perished for ducks to give the Indian fans anxious moments. The trio will feel relieved that they will be up against an Afghanistan team who were outplayed by Bangladesh, and face them at a venue where South Africa had run up the highest-ever score in a World Cup, just a few days ago.
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Chance to regain form
The Indian batsmen will welcome the opportunity to regain their form and get amongst the runs ahead of the eagerly-awaited clash against Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 14. Of course, India cannot go in a fast-forward mode, as first, they have to deal with a tricky Afghanistan side who have a handy bowling line-up with three top-class spinners.
The trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi can be a handful if the pitch provides spin. The home team, therefore, cannot take the rivals for granted and will have to focus on today’s match and collect two valuable points before thinking of the arch-rivals from across the border. South Africa have set a high benchmark by posting a record score of 428-5 at the venue here, with three of their batsmen getting quickfire centuries. Thus, when the Indian players come out to bat, the spectators will be expecting their heroes to produce similar fireworks after the dour match-winning effort in Chennai. A big score will not only gladden the fans, but also put the team in a confident mood going ahead.
Gill misses out again
As for the unwell Shubman Gill, it would have been an ideal place to get him back into the XI. But it seems he will not even play against Pakistan after spending a night in hospital at Chennai. That means Ishan Kishan may get another opportunity, or Suryakumar Yadav could come in his place on a pitch where he has the capability to emulate Aiden Markram, who had collected a scintillating 49-ball century against Sri Lanka.
The Indian bowlers, particularly the spinners, will be tested if the pitch is similar to the one on which the Proteas dished out a delicious run-feast. It will be a challenge to keep the hard-hitting Afghan batsmen quiet on a flat wicket with a fast outfield.
Though the team management generally does not believe in making changes, they may contemplate going into the match with just two spinners and bringing Shardul Thakur in place of Ravichandran Ashwin because of small boundaries.
Whatever the combinations of the teams, one thing is sure, if the pitch and batsmen live up to promise, they can provide wholesome entertainment to not only the full house at Kotla, but also viewers all over the world.
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