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The highly anticipated T20I comebacks of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli haven't gone according to script so far. While the latter missed India's series opener against Afghanistan, the former was run out for a duck.
The second T20I, to be played in Indore on Sunday, January 14, will give the players another chance to make an impression. With only two T20Is remaining before the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit and Kohli are running out of time to justify their sudden re-entry.
The first encounter of the series was a cagey affair in the chilly conditions of Mohali. While Afghanistan's lack of early momentum cost them dearly, the hosts picked an unconventional team that left them without many bowling options, opening the door for some runs being leaked in the middle overs.
So despite the margin of victory - six wickets - being rather convincing for India, they will know that they can't afford to take Afghanistan lightly. Even though the visitors are without Rashid Khan, they are a solid outfit who can hang with the best teams in the world.
Can India secure their final series ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup? Or will Afghanistan push the rubber into a decider?
IND vs AFG 2023: India look to seal series in Indore
India went in with just two specialist fast bowlers in Mohali, and that played into Afghanistan's hands. Rohit Sharma was forced to introduce Ravi Bishnoi in the second half of the innings, and the visitors' middle-order batters were able to capitalize on anything loose from the leg-spinner.
While they might be tempted to make a change or two and beef up that department, the Men in Blue will want to have some continuity to bring the best out of their players. So the spin-heavy lineup be might a challenge for them to win in Indore.
Moreover, Rahmanullah Gurbaz struggled to get going at the start of his knock in the first T20I, something that isn't often the case for the explosive opener. If he can charge out of the blocks, Afghanistan will be able to put on a show in batting-friendly conditions.
Nevertheless, Rohit and company are the better side. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli are all set for returns, and India have plenty of batting depth and big-hitting pedigree. They also have arguably the better bowling attack.
India can be backed to win the second T20I, and that too by a convincing margin. It would be concerning for the team if they don't.
Prediction: India to win the 2nd T20I vs Afghanistan.
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