T20 World Cup 2024: India Plans Strategic Changes Against Afghanistan

IND vs AFG: India head coach Rahul Dravid has hinted at a potential change for the team's first Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2024 against Afghanistan. The match is scheduled to take place at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on Thursday, June 20.

Speaking to the press on the eve of the match, the former India captain mentioned that Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav could be included in the playing eleven against Afghanistan. Dravid noted that conditions were different in the USA, where India played all their Group A matches.

India might consider dropping Mohammed Siraj to include an extra spinner or even a batter, as the Barbados pitch is expected to be more batting-friendly. "It's tough to leave anyone out. New York had pace bowlers' conditions... slightly different. We might need something different here (in Barbados). Yuzi (Chahal) or Kuldeep (Yadav) could be used here," Dravid said.

"We are lucky to have players with all-round abilities. We had eight batters but we also had seven bowling options," he added.

Dravid also emphasized the importance of flexibility in T20I cricket. He stated that the batting order could be shuffled based on conditions and matchups. "Each situation is unique. Can't set it in stone. I believe in flexibility. The Pakistan game we moved Axar (Patel), specifically thinking around it... Rishabh (Pant) up the order (at No. 3), lots of thinking goes into it," Dravid explained.

"I don't think in Tests cricket; we will have that flexibility. In T20s where it is a lot about match-ups, you see it happening more," he added.

Dravid also praised Afghanistan, calling them a dangerous side who deserve to be in the Super 8. Afghanistan notably defeated New Zealand in the group stage and qualified for the Super 8 ahead of them.

"Lovely to come to the Caribbean and play cricket. A couple of practice sessions. We are prepared. Afghanistan are a very dangerous side. Their players play more in leagues than our players. They are not a team to be taken lightly. Deservingly in Super 8," Dravid said.