Afghanistan have emerged as one of the more dangerous teams in T20 cricket in recent years, and with a series against India beginning on September 13, questions are already being raised over whether the Asian side can push Shreyas Iyer’s team.
Razdan also highlighted the importance of Rashid Khan, while pointing to Afghanistan’s experience of playing in the Indian Premier League as another factor that could help them compete in familiar conditions. Question: Afghanistan have evolved into a heavyweight T20 side over the last few years, particularly with their performances in the last two T20 World Cups. Given their current form, can they realistically challenge Shreyas Iyer and Co.? There is no doubt about that. This is the shortest format of the game, and you simply cannot afford to take any team lightly. What they need to do is play their best cricket and hope that Rashid Khan has a good game. Razdan believes Afghanistan possess enough versatility across the squad to trouble India, but singled out their premier leg spinner as the player who could have the greatest influence on the contest. ‘When you look at their team, several players are capable of performing different roles for the side. But the Indian team is a different kind of challenge altogether. However, Razdan stressed that plans and past experiences can only take a player so far once the match begins.
Speaking exclusively to Zee News Digital ahead of the India vs Afghanistan T20I series, former India cricketer and broadcaster Vivek Razdan said Afghanistan have enough quality to defeat India, particularly in a format where one outstanding performance can completely change the course of a match. Vivek Razdan said: ‘They can certainly beat India. But if there is one player who can have the biggest impact, it is Rashid Khan,’ he said. Razdan said: ‘Afghanistan have been playing good cricket and have beaten several teams in this format.
