Asian giants, India take on Afghanistan in the match 9 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Here's a look at key battles
India takes on Afghanistan in the match 9 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. India began their World Cup campaign with a convincing six-wicket win over the Aussies at Chepauk whereas Afghanistan suffered a massive six-wicket defeat themselves at the hands of Bangladesh in Dharamsala. (Streaming | IND Vs AFG Preview | Full Coverage)
The Indian team received some disheartening news on Tuesday that their star batter, Shubman Gill has dengue and won't be available for the game against Afghanistan. In the game against Australia, Indian openers were dismissed without troubling the scorers as Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan were out cheaply. However, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul steadied things and handed the Men In Blue a crucial win.
For Afghanistan, apart from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, none of their batters put up a show with the bat in their league game against Bangladesh. Coach Jonathan Trott would be looking for a positive response from his side when they take on India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 11, 2023.
With a key fixture ahead, here's a look at the three battles to look out for between India and Afghanistan.
Virat Kohli Vs Naveen-ul-Haq
This is one battle, the whole of India is waiting for! If one would jog back the memory, Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq were involved in a heated altercation during their IPL match earlier this year. Recently, a social media post also revealed that Naveen was taunted by 'Kohli, Kohli' chants whilst fielding during their game against Bangladesh in Dharamsala. With Delhi as venue, this duo's face-off would be one not to miss out on.
KL Rahul Vs Rashid Khan
India's KL Rahul can be deemed unlucky in his superb innings of 97 not out against Australia in their World Cup match. Rahul used his feet nicely against Adam Zampa despite a turning track at Chepauk. However, Afghanistan's Rashid Khan is a different proposition and is a wily bowler when introduced. Rahul's skill against spinners versus Rashid's spin variations would be a fantastic battle to watch out for in this match.
Kuldeep Yadav Vs Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Afghanistan's explosive batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a handy customer up the order. Spin or spin, Gurbaz is willing to take on anything that is in his arc but India's Kuldeep Yadav could give him a run for his money. The chinaman bowler knows the Indian tracks well and has skills up his sleeve that could deceive the best of the best batters. Gurbaz's contest against Yadav could be a mouth-watering one for sure.