Former Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla expressed that Rohit Sharma is determined to deliver significant centuries in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Chawla highlighted the importance of Rohit scoring big runs, emphasizing the team’s reliance on his ability to convert starts into substantial scores.
Chawla suggested that rookie pacer Prince Yadav from Delhi could potentially make his debut during the series, especially if India secures early victories. He praised Yadav’s performance in pressure situations, citing his consistent execution of plans and knack for taking wickets.
Regarding the absence of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, Chawla recommended backing Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav to fill key positions in the playing eleven. He specifically mentioned Ishan Kishan as a suitable candidate for the number three slot due to his recent form and versatility as a backup wicketkeeper and opener.
Chawla favored Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav as the spinners of choice, highlighting their respective strengths in batting depth and controlling the middle overs. He also advocated for Arshdeep and Prasidh Krishna among the pacers, emphasizing the importance of early breakthroughs in the game.
In closing, Chawla emphasized the pivotal role of Afghanistan’s spinners in determining the series outcome, particularly noting the threat posed by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. He anticipated a compelling battle between the Afghan spinners and the Indian middle-order batsmen, underscoring the significance of this phase in deciding the contest’s result.
