IND vs AFG: There comes a huge blow for the Afghanistan team ahead of three three-match T20I series against India. Their star player Rashid Khan will miss the series as he continues to recover from the lower back surgery that has forced him out of the BBL 13 & the SA20. Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran had confirmed that Rashid Khan has traveled with the team to Chandigarh but is not yet match-fit.
Ibrahim conveyed that the individual is not entirely fit presently but is on the journey with the team. There is optimism for a prompt recovery according to expectations, as the individual undergoes rehabilitation supervised by the medical staff. The absence of this player will be noticeable throughout the series. Although the team acknowledges the significance of their experience, cricket demands preparedness for diverse circumstances, emphasizing the need to be ready for challenges even in their absence.
IND vs AFG: Afghan’s Spin Specialist to Play in Afghanistan Series
Rashid Khan has not played a competitive game since the ODI World Cup 2023 in October-November & missed Afghanistan’s most recent assignment against UAE which they won by 2-1 scores. In Rashid’s absence, Afghan spin specialists Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, and Sharafuddin Ashraf will share the duties.
For the unversed Qais, who has taken on Afghanistan’s leg-spin mantle in Rashid’s absence, was the leading wicket-taker in the UAE series with six wickets at an average of 11.16 and an economy rate of 6.70.
Ibrahim too will look to be in his astute form during the series against India. “We recognize the challenge of facing India on their home turf, but our primary goal is to exhibit our skills and perform well against them,” Ibrahim Zadran expressed. “We boast a talented lineup of T20 players, and all our team members are currently in excellent cricketing form. I have confidence that they will showcase their abilities, and I believe we’re set for a successful series against India.”
The three-match T20I series against Afghanistan will begin on Thursday in Mohali. Indore and Bangalore will host the second and third T20Is on January 14 and 17.
Also read, SA20 2024 Date, Venue, Teams- All That you Need to know
