BARBADOS: The Indian team is in high spirits. The players appear relaxed, enjoying every moment of the trip, teasing each other, laughing, yet showing intense focus when practicing in the nets.
This positive atmosphere is largely attributed to captain Rohit Sharma’s approach. Known for his candid and friendly demeanor, Rohit engages openly with the media and encourages his teammates to do the same, saying, “Go talk to the media yaar, speak freely, how long will the captain speak for you?” His infectious energy has put the team at ease as they prepare to face Afghanistan on Thursday.
Arriving in Barbados a few days earlier, India has been training at the Kensington Oval nets. Despite some struggles with the bat due to a sticky pitch after rain, the team remains quietly confident, believing that if they could handle the conditions in New York, they can handle anything.
Following their match against Afghanistan, India will play Bangladesh on Saturday. Given their current form and pedigree, India is expected to secure a semifinal spot even before their match against Australia in St. Lucia on Tuesday.
The team is cautious but not complacent. Despite their dominance over Afghanistan in recent years, they are aware of the threat posed by players like Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Naveen-ul-Haq. More than individual talent, it’s Afghanistan’s fighting spirit that India must be wary of. T20 cricket is unpredictable, and a brief lapse can change the game’s outcome.
Afghanistan’s decent performance in the group stages, including a win over New Zealand, adds to their credibility. The conditions at Kensington Oval, where a par score of 180 is expected and spinners might get assistance, could suit both teams. India must decide whether to include chinaman Kuldeep Yadav or stick with paceman Mohammed Siraj, who has been less effective so far.
Rohit knows that Afghanistan’s batsmen struggle against high-quality pace, and India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, is considered the best in the tournament. If they hit their stride early, India could dominate from the outset.
India’s batting lineup, featuring experienced players like Virat Kohli and a confident Rohit Sharma, is well-equipped to handle any Afghan challenge. With a strong start, India could enjoy a comfortable match on Thursday and provide a stress-free evening for fans back home.
