Team India. (Source – Akshar Patel)

In just over 24 hours, the Indian team is set to begin its next round of matches in the T20 World Cup 2024. Their very first challenge will be the Afghanistan side led by Rashid Khan.

Rohit Sharma and his side will want to finish in the top two places in the Group 1 of the Super-8 stages matches. It will not be an easy encounter for the Men in Blue as they are set to take on a spirited Afghanistan side that has a lot of match winners. 

For the Indian side too, there is a lot of issues. At the top of the hat is the form of Virat Kohli, as the former Indian skipper has scored just five runs from three matches. Even Rohit Sharma’s blade seems to have gone quiet after his fifty in the match against Ireland. 

So far, the Indian team has done well thanks to the contributions from the bowlers and their middle order. Rohit Sharma will be wary and aware of the threat Afghanistan have after their pulsating tied game earlier this year in Bengaluru. 

Here is the likely Indian XI for the game against Afghanistan –

Openers – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kolhi ( Source : X / Twitter )

When the Indian team decided to use this combination at the top of the order, there was a lot of excitement. Virat Kohli, with over 700 runs in IPL 2024, was in his prime form. The former Indian skipper will be happy with the change of venue as his run during the New York leg was abysmal. Rohit Sharma began the tournament well, but his form has tapered off in the last few games to create huge anxiety amongst the Indian fans. On a positive note, the last time Rohit Sharma played against Afghanistan he had managed to score an unbeaten ton. 

Check Here: T20 World Cup 2024 Most Runs

Middle-order – Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav

Rishabh Pant. (Photo Source: Disney+Hotstar)

Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant has been scoring crucial runs ever since his return to the team. His efforts against Pakistan were crucial in helping India post 119 runs on the board. Suryakumar Yadav too will be looking to do his best with the bat after his match-winning unbeaten 50 against USA. The 33-year-old would be happy that he will finally get to bat on better surfaces after struggling to score runs in New York.

Check Here: Who will win today’s T20 WC match between AFG and IND?

All-rounders- Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel 

Axar Patel. (Source – ICC)

Team India will hope that Shivam Dube can rediscover his form that he showed with the bat for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. The 30-year-old cannot afford any more slip-ups if he has to keep his place in the team. Hardik Pandya has been steady with the ball but hasn’t gotten much chances with the bat. The 30-year-old will hope that Barbados can be the start of a glorious run with the bat. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja will have the onus of batting well in the lower middle-order and also bowling eight economical overs with the ball. 

Bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh. (Source – Getty Images)

Team India’s fast bowling mantle will be led by Jasprit Bumrah along with Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh. For India to win the title, the three pacers have to be at their best. Bumrah, in particular, will hold the key as he is the leader of the pack with his pace and variations with the ball. Mohammed Siraj will be a handful under swinging conditions while Arshdeep Singh has the ability to bowl at a consistent length to trouble the batters. 

Check Here: T20 World Cup 2024 Most Wickets

India’s Predicted XI vs Afghanistan  

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh