New Delhi: The second match of the three-match T20 International series between India and Afghanistan will be played today on 15 September. Team India, which won brilliantly in the first match, has suffered a big setback before the second match. Star spinner Varun Chakraborty is out of the entire series due to injury.
Varun did wonders in the first match
Varun Chakraborty impressed with his bowling in the first T20 match of the series. He took one wicket for only 16 runs in four overs. The special thing was that during his spell, no Afghan batsman could hit a four or a six. His exit after such performance is being considered a loss for the Indian team.
Due to injury, Varun will not be able to play in the remaining two matches of the series. After this, India also has to tour Japan, where the match is to be held on 22nd September and then the team will participate in the Asian Games.
Who can replace Varun?
Now the biggest question is who will get the chance in place of Varun in the second T20. Ravi Bishnoi, who is in the Indian squad, seems to be the strongest option for this role. Bishnoi bowls leg spin and has the ability to create pressure against Afghanistan's batsmen when needed.
In such a situation, captain Shreyas Iyer can include Bishnoi in the playing eleven in place of Varun. However, the final decision will depend on the strategy of the team management and the conditions of the pitch.
Lack of fifth bowler became a concern
India definitely registered a big win in the first match, but there was a weakness in the bowling. Three part-time bowlers bowled a total of four overs and spent 59 runs. Nitish Kumar Reddy gave 30 runs in two overs, Shivam Dubey gave 21 runs in one over and Abhishek Sharma gave 8 runs in one over. In such a situation, after Varun's exit, choosing the right bowling combination for India will be an important challenge in the second T20.