IND vs AFG 1st T20I | Playing XI, Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview and Live Streaming

Virat and Rohit are making their much-awaited comeback in T20Is vs AFG (AP News)

The 1st T20I clash between India (IND) and Afghanistan (AFG) is set for Mohali on January 11, initiating a three-match series. Rohit Sharma leads the Indian side, making a return to T20I with Virat Kohli after the T20 World Cup 2022. 

The series moves to Indore on January 12 and Bengaluru on January 14. Some regulars like Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj are rested. Suryakumar Yadav is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Hardik is recovering from a hamstring issue. 

Afghanistan, led by Ibrahim Zadran, features T20I skipper Rashid Khan, recovering from lower back surgery. India tops the T20I rankings, while Afghanistan sits tenth. This series marks their first bilateral encounter, with India preparing for the T20 World Cup 2024. 

IND vs AFG: Team Preview

India 

IND vs AFG (AP News)

Facing the absence of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, the Indian team management strategically reintroduced Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, injecting experience into the T20I squad. This decision has ignited discussions within cricket circles. Noteworthy in the bowling lineup are pacers Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar, complemented by spin options Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. 

The upcoming T20I series serves as a pivotal stage for players like Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jitesh Sharma, and Sanju Samson to display their prowess and secure spots in the imminent T20 World Cup. This series stands as India's conclusive T20I challenge before the prestigious event.

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IS Bindra Stadium Mohali T20 Records Ahead Of IND vs AFG 1st T20I

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Afghanistan

IND Vs AFG (AP News)

Afghanistan has yet to secure a victory against India in international cricket across formats, with India triumphing in four out of five T20Is between the nations. However, this T20I series presents an opportunity for Afghanistan to change that narrative. 

With valuable experience in their T20I side and familiarity with Indian conditions from their IPL stints, Afghanistan enters the series with confidence. Notably, Rahi Khan's probable absence opens the door for Noor Ahmad. Afghanistan's potent spin attack, featuring Mujeeb and Nabi, could be instrumental in challenging India. Despite off-field issues, including NOC disputes, Afghanistan's determined squad, including Mujeeb, is geared up for national duty in this historic series.

IND vs AFG: Match Details & Live Streaming

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IS Bindra Stadium Mohali Weather Report For IND vs AFG 1st T20I

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IND vs AFG: IS Bindra Stadium Mohali, Pitch Report

The PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali promises a flat, batter-friendly pitch, with a subtle opportunity for seam movement early on. Once settled, batsmen can capitalize on its conducive conditions. Known for its even pace and bounce, the ground historically favors high scores in white-ball cricket, boasting an impressive average scoring rate of 9.13 in T20Is. 

Early on, spinners may find some assistance, but with dew setting in, the pitch transforms into a batting paradise during the second innings. Defending becomes challenging, making winning the toss crucial, with the likely preference being to bowl first on this challenging venue.

IND vs AFG: Probable Playing 11

India: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav

Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran (C), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq

IND vs AFG: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

IND vs AFG: Winner Prediction

India is expected to emerge victorious in their clash against Afghanistan.

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