T20 World Cup 2024: Kris Srikkanth Has An Advice For Team India

Ahead of the highly-anticipated Super Eight clash between India and Afghanistan at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, Kris Srikkanth issued a stern warning to the Indian team about Afghanistan's formidable bowling strength. Afghanistan had showcased their prowess in the earlier stages of the T20 World Cup 2024, securing victories against Uganda, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, although they stumbled against the West Indies. In contrast, India had a strong start in the tournament, defeating Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA, with their match against Canada abandoned due to a wet outfield. Grouped alongside Australia and Bangladesh in Group 1 of the Super Eight phase, both India and Afghanistan face a crucial phase where only two teams will advance to the semifinals. Srikkanth, a member of India's 1983 ODI World Cup-winning team, emphasized the importance for Indian captain Rohit Sharma to avoid allowing Afghanistan the opportunity to bat first. He highlighted Afghanistan's "terrific" bowling unit, suggesting their ability to defend totals could pose challenges for chasing teams.

Srikkanth's cautionary advice underscores the strategic importance of match dynamics in the Super Eight phase, where every decision could significantly impact a team's journey towards the T20 World Cup 2024 title. As anticipation builds for this clash of Asian cricketing giants, all eyes will be on how India navigates the challenge posed by Afghanistan's potent bowling attack under the Caribbean skies.

“You can’t take things lightly against Afghanistan. They have a good team and a terrific bowling side. So, I was the Indian captain, if I was Rohit Sharma, I would like to bat first. Don’t let Afghanistan bat first because if that happens they will score around 160-170 and their bowlers are good enough to maybe defend the total. While Afghanistan’s bowling is very strong, their batting is very weak,” said Kris Srikkanth in a recent conversation.

Afghanistan encountered contrasting fortunes in the T20 World Cup 2024, conceding 218 runs against the West Indies while displaying dominance by bowling out Uganda, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea for meager totals of 58, 75, and 95 runs respectively. Left-arm speedster Fazalhaq Farooqi has been exceptional, claiming 12 wickets across four matches with an economy rate of 6.66. His standout performances include a five-wicket haul against Uganda and a four-wicket spell against New Zealand. Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq have also contributed significantly with six and five wickets respectively. Mohammad Nabi's experience adds depth to their bowling attack, particularly against India's lineup which includes several left-handers.

Young spinner Noor Ahmad, while capturing only one wicket in three games, has been remarkably economical, conceding runs at an impressive economy rate of under 4.89. As Afghanistan prepares for crucial encounters, their bowling prowess, spearheaded by Farooqi and supported by a skilled lineup including Rashid Khan and Nabi, poses a formidable challenge for opponents in the ongoing tournament.