T20 World Cup 2024, IND vs AFG: Rahul Dravid hints One Big change in Team India's playing 11 in Barbados

Add as a preferred source on Google

Bridgetown (Barbados), Jun 20: India head coach Rahul Dravid hinted at potential changes in the playing XI for their T20 World Cup Super Eight match against Afghanistan on Thursday (June 20), given the conditions that appear favourable for slow bowlers.

Dravid's comments come after India's recent reliance on pace bowlers in the New York leg of the tournament, where the drop-in pitches at Nassau County Stadium provided uneven bounce, aiding the quicks. T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Points Table Group 2

"It's tough to leave anyone out. New York had pace bowlers' conditions... slightly different. We might need something different here (in Barbados). Yuzi (Chahal) or Kuldeep (Yadav) could be used here," Dravid said during a media interaction on the eve of the match.

The possible inclusion of either Yuzvendra Chahal or Kuldeep Yadav indicates a strategic shift towards leveraging spin, considering the spin-friendly pitches in Barbados.

Who Will Chahal or Kuldeep replace in Playing 11?

If Team India decide to go with either of the wrist spinners against the Afghans, it will be interesting to see who will make way. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja featured in all the games in the league stages for India where Axar managed to leave a mark. While Jadeja had good outings neither with the bat nor the ball.

However, it is always tough benching a player of Jadeja's calibre and it will be worth noting whether skipper Rohit Sharma and team management will choose the current form or will they go with the reputation of the player.

Depth in India's World Cup Squad

Dravid emphasised the depth and versatility of the Indian squad, highlighting the all-round abilities of the players. "We are lucky to have players with all-round abilities. We had eight batters but we (also) had seven bowling options," he noted. This flexibility allows India to adapt to varying conditions and opposition strategies.

Flexibility in the batting order was another key point Dravid addressed, reflecting on past decisions and their outcomes. "Each situation is unique. Can't set it in stone. I believe in flexibility. The Pakistan game we moved Axar (Patel), specifically thinking around it... Rishabh (Pant) up the order (at No. 3), lots of thinking goes into it. I don't think in Tests (cricket), we will have that flexibility. In T20s where it is a lot about match-ups, you see it happening more (flexibility in batting position)."

Dravid's reference to match-ups, a cricketing term denoting favourable confrontations between specific players, underscores the tactical considerations in T20 cricket. For instance, in a critical league game against Pakistan, with India reeling at 19/2 after the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Axar Patel was promoted to No. 4. His 20 off 18 balls provided crucial stability.

Cricket in the Caribbean

Expressing his excitement about playing in the Caribbean, Dravid added, "Lovely to come to the Caribbean and play cricket. A couple of practice sessions. We are prepared. Afghanistan are a very dangerous side. Their players play more in leagues than our players. They are not a team to be taken lightly. Deservingly in Super 8."

Afghanistan's presence in the Super Eight highlights their growth and competitiveness in the T20 format. Known for their explosive batting and potent spin attack, Afghanistan poses a significant challenge. Dravid's acknowledgement of their strength and experience in various T20 leagues worldwide indicates India's awareness of the threat they pose.