As India gears up for the 3rd T20I against Afghanistan at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium on January 17, the focus is firmly perched on completing a clean sweep in the series. This encounter is pivotal for India, marking their last T20 International fixture before the much-anticipated T20 World Cup starting June 1.
The Indian squad, showcasing a harmonious blend of talent and strategy, has so far dominated the series with emphatic victories in Mohali and Indore. With an eye on the upcoming World Cup, the team management is likely to experiment with the playing XI, particularly to evaluate the bench strength and identify key players for the global tournament.
India's batting lineup has been a powerhouse of talent, with players like Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal making significant contributions. Nonetheless, the team is contemplating some strategic tweaks, especially in the bowling department, to test different combinations.
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, despite his notable performance against Australia in November 2023, has struggled to find his rhythm in the current series against Afghanistan. Considering his recent form, there's a possibility of introducing left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who previously impressed with a five-wicket haul against South Africa.
The batting order might also see some changes, with Sanju Samson potentially stepping in for Jitesh Sharma. Sharma's fluctuating performances, including a brisk 31 in the first T20I followed by a duck in the second, open up an opportunity for Samson to prove his worth and secure a spot for the World Cup.
In the pace department, Avesh Khan could replace Mukesh Kumar, who hasn't made a significant impact in the series so far. This change would enable the Indian team to evaluate all the players in the 16-man squad, ensuring each gets valuable game time before the major tournament.
On the other side, Afghanistan is expected to maintain its current team composition, banking on their bowlers to challenge the formidable Indian batting lineup. The Afghan batsmen, familiar with the shorter boundaries at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, will aim to leverage this advantage in their quest to upset the hosts.
This upcoming match is more than just a series decider for India; it's a crucial step in fine-tuning their squad and strategy ahead of the T20 World Cup. It presents an ideal platform for experimenting with different combinations and identifying the best fit for the team’s long-term objectives.
India's Predicted Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh
Afghanistan's Predicted Playing XI: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen Ul Haq.
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