Former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar has suggested a few minor changes to India’s playing XI ahead of the team’s do-or-die clash with Afghanistan in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 on Wednesday, November 3 in Abu Dhabi.
He believes that Suryakumar Yadav should return to the playing XI if he is fit to play against Afghanistan on Wednesday. Suryakumar missed India's last match against New Zealand due to a back spasm.
However, he reportedly attended training during India’s optional nets session and is likely to play in the team’s crucial ICC T20 World Cup 2021 encounter against Afghanistan.
The former pacer also said Rohit Sharma should open the innings for the Men in Blue while backing all-rounder Hardik Pandya to be included in India's playing XI against Afghanistan.
Agarkar told ESPNCricinfo: “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. India would just look to bat better. Change in the venue, I don’t know about that but a change of mindset definitely would.”
He also shared a piece of advice for the Indian batters on how to deal with Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, suggesting the batters should avoid attacking the spinner in the match.
The 43-year-old signed off by saying, “You have to look at the situation. Very few batsmen 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.”
