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XtraTime Web Desk: The in-form batting line up of Indian cricket team may break a few batting records when they will face a depleted Afghanistan  on Saturday who has lost all the five matches that they have played so far in the World Cup.

India has started their journey in the tournament in a convincing way and now against Afghanistan they not only get a chance to register a big win but also ensure a good net run-rate which can help them later part in World Cup to qualify for the semis.

India is one team that endured tougher matches right at the beginning and Virat Kohli’s men have looked quite invincible in their one-sided wins against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan.

Such has been their dominance that even injuries to senior opener Shikhar Dhawan, speedster Bhuvneshwar Kumar or all-rounder Vijay Shankar have not had any impact whatsoever on the performance against the top teams.

Losing Dhawan due to a fractured thumb after his match-winning hundred against Australia was being seen as a big blow but KL Rahul’s composed half century against a rampaging Mohammed Amir dispelled any such doubts.

With Rohit Sharma in prime form, a fourth double hundred could be there for the taking against a hapless attack with their prime bowler Rashid Khan, horribly out of form.

Skipper Virat Kohli hit two half-centuries against Australia and Pakistan with such ease that the at least the first 35 runs in both the innings were scored before one even realised.

Shankar’s injury is a slight concern but young Rishabh Pant, with his audacious approach, brings in a certain the X-factor that is difficult to ignore.

In case Shankar doesn’t get fit in time, the fight for that slot will be between Pant and the seasoned Dinesh Karthik, who was team management’s original choice in the squad of 15.

Hardik Pandya, whenever pushed up as the floater, has been a success while Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been rock solid behind the stumps and steady in front.

Against Afghanistan, Mohammed Shami will get his first game in the tournament and his pace and movement could be more than a handful for the likes of Hazratullah Zazai, Hashmatullah Shahidi or Asghar Afghan.

The inexperienced Afghans may find Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal’s craft too hot to handle.