If the series opener was about the much-anticipated return of Rohit Sharma, back at the helm after a 14-month hiatus, the second game against Afghanistan in Indore on Sunday will add an extra layer of excitement as India awaits the comeback of former skipper Virat Kohli.
Kohli, who had missed the first encounter at Mohali that India won by six wickets, will look to make full use of the opportunity, given that the two matches against the Afghans are the last international assignment before the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the US in June.
Rohit, meanwhile, ticked most boxes in the first match, but through no fault of his own not the one that mattered most. First, he won the toss on a freezing evening, restricted the opposition for a little over 150 - a sub-par total on a placid PCA track, and with the dew setting in towards the second innings, he had the perfect opportunity to adapt his explosive ODI form in the shortest format.
At the recently concluded ODI World Cup, Rohit had given India blazing starts, scoring at a strike rate of 135.01 in the powerplay. So all eyes were on whether the 36-year-old could translate that form to the shortest format.
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There is no room for ego in a marriage'
According to Dr Saktirupa Chakraborty and Dr Suranjan Chakrabarti, both consultant obstetricians and gynecologists, a marriage is always about mutual respect, trust and shared values.
The art of pastry making through the lens of technology
Pastry making has long been considered an artful combination of science, using only simple ingredients such as flour, butter, eggs and sugar to prepare exquisite edible art.
Revival of historical paintings - Resurgence of classic paintings
The art world is currently witnessing a massive revolution sparked by the resurgence of historical paintings.
Discover the beauty of Gajoldoba and Gaurikone
On the invitation of Ranjan Majumdar (my brother), my wife and I set off on a journey to one of Bengal's favourite tourist destinations, the Dooars, with a little touch of Nepal.
The café cat-astrophe
In a quaint little town nestled by a lazy river, lived Nephy, a sleek orange cat with eyes like almonds.
The green wall
Upal, now the schoolteacher, thought of the Thakuran River for his research activities.
Evening of elegance: 'Best Face, Best Dress Award Programme'
A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Surely. However, beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. On the evening of Thursday, 21 November, as Kolkata's streets embraced the deepening dusk, a quiet magic took hold outside the gates of the Rotary Sadan auditorium on Jawaharlal Nehru Road.
Debutant Rana credits Bumrah for easing pressure off him
It's a common term in cricket—fast bowlers hunt in pairs. And when the leader of the pack, in this case Jasprit Bumrah, runs through the top order to set the tone, it often eases off the pressure from the younger lot.
It's coming too slow: Yashasvi Jaiswal engages in fiery exchange with Mitchell Starc
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Australian spearhead Mitchell Starc were involved in a fiery battle during the second session on day two of the first Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth.
Guwahati to host FMSCI National Rally Sprint Championship on Sunday
The FMSCI Indian National Rally Sprint Championship (INRSC) for two-wheelers will make its way to Guwahati for the East Zone round on Sunday.
