New Delhi. The teams of India and Afghanistan will face each other in the first match of the three-match T20 series on Sunday. This match to be held at Arun Jaitley Stadium will not be limited to cricket only, because this time Afghanistan is also the host of this series. This is being considered as a new chapter in the cricket friendship between the two countries.
Entry into the stadium will be from 'Taq-e-Zafar' gate.
On Saturday, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer and Afghan captain Ibrahim Zadran unveiled the 'Friendship Cup' trophy in front of the replica of 'Taq-e-Zafar' gate located in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, at gate number three of the stadium. Let us tell you that 'Taq-e-Zafar' gate is a symbol of respect and pride for the people of Afghanistan.
The original gate was built in Kabul more than five decades ago, commemorating soldiers who died in the war—much like Delhi's India Gate is dedicated to the memory of martyrs. From Sunday, spectators will enter the stadium through this replica gate.
Afghanistan gets 'home like' environment in India
For Afghanistan, India is not just a place to play cricket. Cities like Dehradun and Greater Noida have been the centers of its domestic matches and preparations in the past as well. The Afghan team has practiced in India for a long time and its players have always received love and warmth here. In such a situation, this series to be held at Arun Jaitley Stadium is like a 'home away from home' for him.
The collision on the field is no less interesting
Friendship has its place, but on the field both the teams will use their full strength to win. The biggest question before India is the choice between Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sanju Samson in the top order. Vaibhav got a chance in England, but Samson returned in the last match of the series. Samson provides the balance of experience and aggression, while 15-year-old Vaibhav is known for his fearless batting.
It is a matter of relief for India that Ishan Kishan will be available for this match. He suffered a back strain during practice on Friday and left the field.
India will be eyeing its spin combination. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are expected to play, while the choice between third specialist spinner Varun Chakraborty and fast bowler Yash Thakur will be interesting. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also likely to be in the playing eleven.
Afghan spinners will have a real test
This series is also important for India in terms of preparation for the Asian Games. The three T20 matches against a full-strength Afghanistan team will provide an excellent opportunity for the Indian batsmen to face a world-class spin attack. The trio of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be a big challenge for the Indian batsmen. Afghanistan also has fast bowlers like Fazalhaq Farooqui and Naveen-ul-Haq and all-rounders like Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Probable playing eleven of both the teams
Indian team: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dubey, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, Varun Chakraborty, Ravi Bishnoi.
Afghanistan team: Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Darwish Rasouli, Noor ul Rehman, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Nangelia Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Naveen ul Haq, Mujeeb ur Rehman, Noor Ahmed.
'Gambhir instills confidence in the team'
Indian captain Shreyas Iyer described head coach Gautam Gambhir as a brilliant 'man manager' and said that he instills trust and confidence in every player and maintains clarity about his role. On the eve of the match, Iyer said, “Gambhir instills a lot of trust and confidence in the team.
Every player has a clear understanding of his role and responsibility. I have also worked with him at KKR, so I understand how he thinks and what his approach is going to be.”