Xtra Time Web Desk: With the T20 series against Afghanistan already secured, Team India will aim for a whitewash at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on Wednesday. There is a possibility that the team management can make a couple of changes in the playing XI. With an eye on the T20 World Cup, India aims to evaluate bench strength in this dead rubber.
The team management may provide opportunities to players on the sidelines, possibly including wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson ahead of Jitesh Sharma. Key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are unlikely to be rested, as both are keen to maximize preparation. There could be considerations for changes, with Axar Patel possibly being rested, allowing Kuldeep Yadav to step in, and Avesh Khan potentially replacing Arshdeep Singh or Mukesh Kumar. The later is also part of the test squad for the first two tests against England starting from January 25 in Hyderabad.
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As the last T20I before the T20 World Cup in June, India’s team management intends to maintain the intensity shown in victories at Mohali and Indore. In both matches, the batters, including the usually conservative Virat Kohli, displayed aggressive intent. Kohli, though familiar with the Chinnaswamy conditions, has modest T20I returns at this venue. The RCB cricketer has only amassed 116 runs from 5 T20Is.
Captain Rohit Sharma, registering two consecutive ducks, is eager to bounce back, especially on a ground where his T20I record is not impressive. Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal exemplified India’s changed approach by taking on the Afghan bowlers early in the innings.
India probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan
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