India Holds All The Aces Against Lightweight Afghanistan

Men in Blue have coped with setbacks like losing personnel to injuries; Shami expected to step in for Bhuvneshwar

- K.C. Vijaya Kumar

After a few contests against tough rivals, India will get a breather when it takes on Afghanistan at the Hampshire Bowl here on Saturday. The ideal setting for an expected triumph, got even better as the sun was out on the match’s eve. The bright light bounced off the pearl white chairs and the pitch imbibed the warmth.

Virat Kohli’s men opted to rest on Friday while Afghanistan limbered up. India is sitting smug with one foot almost in the World Cup semifinals. The Men in Blue hold all the aces and have coped well with setbacks like losing Shikhar Dhawan who had to leave following a fractured left thumb. The southpaw will be missed but K.L. Rahul has adeptly filled the vacant slot atop the batting tree.

There is speculation about a gambit to have a left-right combine as the opening duo with Rishabh Pant walking out with Rohit Sharma but it looks unlikely and Rahul should be the one quelling the initial fires.