- October 10, 2023
India dominated in their first match against Australia. Now they will face Afghanistan in their 2nd match. These two teams do not usually meet each other on cricket grounds. Last they faced each other in the 2019 ODI World Cup and India won by 11 runs. Now Afghanistan has more experienced players and India will have the home advantage. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key players to watch out for in this encounter.
Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli (Photo Source: Twitter)
Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team’s captain and one of the modern-day greats of the sport, needs no introduction. With a career spanning from 2008 to 2023, Kohli has consistently delivered exceptional performances. He has played 282 matches, amassing a staggering 13,168 runs at an average of 57.50. Kohli’s ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed makes him a formidable force in any format. His hunger for centuries (47 to be precise) and knack for converting starts into big scores will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to Afghanistan’s bowlers.
KL Rahul (India)
KL Rahul (Photo Source: Twitter)
KL Rahul, the stylish right-handed batsman, has been a vital part of the Indian team’s batting lineup since his debut in 2016. With an average of 49.75 in ODIs, he has consistently been among the runs. In 62 matches, Rahul has accumulated 2,388 runs, including 6 centuries and 16 half-centuries. His ability to adapt to different situations and anchor the innings or provide the impetus in the death overs makes him a player to watch out for in this match.
Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Ravindra Jadeja (Photo Source: Twitter)
Ravindra Jadeja, the “Sir” of Indian cricket, is a true all-rounder who has been a linchpin for India in recent years. With the ability to contribute both with the bat and ball, Jadeja’s presence adds balance to the team. In his ODI career spanning from 2009 to 2023, Jadeja has scored 2,636 runs and taken a remarkable 207 wickets. His best bowling figures of 5/36 highlight his effectiveness with the ball, and he is known for his exceptional fielding skills. Jadeja’s ability to break partnerships and provide crucial breakthroughs will be crucial for India.
Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
Ibrahim Zadran (Photo Source: Twitter)
Ibrahim Zadran is a promising talent from the Afghanistan cricket team. Despite having played only five ODIs since his debut in 2019, he has already made an impact. Zadran has scored 362 runs at an impressive average of 36.20, including a high score of 87. His ability to play long innings and anchor the innings could be crucial for Afghanistan’s chances against a strong Indian bowling attack.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Photo Source: Twitter)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is another exciting prospect for Afghanistan. With a relatively short ODI career that started in 2021, he has already shown his potential. In 27 matches, Gurbaz has scored 1,005 runs, including five centuries. His aggressive style of play and ability to take the attack to the opposition could put India on the back foot if he gets going.
Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)
Fazalhaq Farooqi (Photo Source: Twitter)
Fazalhaq Farooqi is a rising star in Afghanistan’s bowling department. In his brief career that started in 2022, he has already made a mark by taking 33 wickets in 22 matches. With a knack for picking up crucial wickets, Farooqi’s ability to provide breakthroughs during crucial phases of the game will be vital for Afghanistan’s chances against a strong Indian batting lineup.
