Former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar believes Suryakumar Yadav should come into the playing XI of the team against Afghanistan in place of Ishan Kishan if he has recovered from his back spasm. Suryakumar Yadav could not get a big score against Pakistan and Kishan had replaced him against New Zealand after the right-hander felt a bit of discomfort in his back.
On the other hand, Agarkar has backed Rohit Sharma to open the innings with KL Rahul. Ishan Kishan had opened the innings with KL Rahul in the previous clash against New Zealand while Rohit Sharma had batted at one down but the move didn’t pay off for the Indian team.
Agarkar said on ESPN Cricinfo: “Suryakumar Yadav if he is fit, comes in for me Rohit goes to open the innings. Pandya’s form is certainly a concern, but if you’ve backed him for 2 games, then you don’t want to tinker too much. He also bowled a couple of overs in the last game, so that helps.”
Agarkar feels a change in mindset will help the Indian team in turning the tables against Afghanistan.
“India would just look to bat better. change in venue, I don’t know about that but a change of mindset definitely would.”
On the other hand, India has picked only two wickets in the first two matches in the tournament. As the Abu Dhabi pitch is expected to assist the pacers, former Pakistan batter Shan Masood wants India to play with an extra seamer in place of a seamer.
“Abu Dhabi has the most seam-friendly conditions out of all the venues. India could play an additional pacer and rest one spinner against an Afghanistan team that plays spin well. That might be the only change that’s on offer, otherwise, it should be the same team.”
Meanwhile, Agarkar wants Indian batters to play with guile against Rashid Khan, who is the best T20 spinner in the world and it is not easy to take the attack against him.
“You have to look at the situation. Very few batsman successfully manage to attack Rashid Khan. If you are getting enough runs against the rest of the bowling attack, no need to take unnecessary risks against Rashid.”, Agarkar elaborated.
India will face Afghanistan on Wednesday in a do-or-die encounter in Abu Dhabi.
