3 key matchups in the India vs Afghanistan Test

With the chatter about the historic India vs Afghanistan Test building up, it is interesting to look at the key matchups that will be crucial in determining the course of the game.

While Afghanistan are flying high on the confidence of their series win against Bangladesh, India would be a bit nervous considering the unavailability of Virat Kohli; especially after seeing the Afghanistani spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman's and Rashid Khan's phenomenal performances in IPL 2018

1) Cheteshwar Pujara vs Amir Hamza and Zahir Khan

While Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are already a challenge, it is likely that Afghanistan will pick three spinners considering the fact that their pace blowing isn't as well established. This would mean that either Amir Hamza or Zahir Khan will be likely to feature in the playing eleven come the match day.

So why do these two pose a problem to Cheteshwar Pujara? The answers lie in the numbers While the batting average of 50.51 demonstrates his class in the format, his average against left-arm spin stands out. In the six matches he has faced left-arm spin, Pujara averages a meagre 31.50, being bowled, caught by the keeper, and LBW twice each.

While 6 matches may not be an appropriate set of data to establish a trend, Pujara would like to ensure that he counters this obstacle with caution.

2) Shikhar Dhawan vs Amir Hamza and Zahir Khan

Reverse sweeps are a frequent sight with this

left hander

, who had a sparkling IPL 2018

Shikhar Dhawan presents a strikingly contrasting case compared to India's number 3. Dhawan is known to be a very aggressive player who has been unable to establish himself as a permanent part of the eleven at the Test level. While Dhawan averages a decent 30.51 against pace, he averages a stunning 78 against left-arm spin in his test career so far.

Being a left-hander, Dhawan probably finds it easier to deal with balls that are being delivered from closer to the stumps by left-handed bowlers like Hamza and Khan. He is undoubtedly great playing the ball off his pads.

Afghanistan must hold back these spinners, and possibly look to attack him with pace, which is something that he has historically struggled with.

3) Rashid Khan vs Everyone else

The leggie has

.an

impressive brain for a 19-year-old

Even the most highly regarded batsman in IPL 2018 found it very difficult to pick the variations of this brilliant 19-year-old. Rashid Khan recently made headlines for taking 7 wickets in 2 matches against Bangladesh. All this before a stunning IPL 2018, where he took 21 wickets in 17 games, with an unbelievable economy rate of 6.73. Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers, and MS Dhoni featured in his list of batsmen dismissed.

The fact that the Indians have not seen too much of him makes it even more difficult, and his bowling may well be the determining factor behind the result of the game. He is an impact player and if he makes a serious impact, Afghanistan have every chance to stun India in their backyard.