Team India completed a 3-0 rout of Afghanistan in their third and final match in Bengaluru, passing their final Twenty20 International Test before the 2024 T20 World Cup with flying colors.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is what’s next for India’s T20 players before the World Cup. No other shortest-format games are planned for the Men in Blue. Questions still swirl about the perfect squad and top XI. Yet, the Afghanistan match spelled out some answers.
The three main takeaways from Team India’s 3-0 rout over Afghanistan are listed below.
1. India overcome multiple challenges to win 3rd T20I against Afghanistan
India was hardly tested till the third Twenty20 International. Afghanistan was unable to apply any pressure to the Men in Blue as they batted second in both games and crossed the finish line with ease.
However, India was put to the test in Bengaluru on several fronts, and they prevailed. They lost four wickets in the powerplay to put themselves in danger, on top of choosing to bat first—something they have historically had difficulty with.
Subsequently, the hosts faced two Super Overs, an experience that would have been extremely beneficial to their preparations. Being in such situations is not something that happens very frequently for an international team, but Rohit and company were fortunate to have the opportunity.
2. Shivam Dube shines with bat and ball for India in T20 series
Shivam Dube’s chance to play the first T20I could’ve disappeared if Virat Kohli was there. Kohli was absent and Dube seized the opportunity. He delivered a standout performance in his career with the white ball for the national team.
In the first two games, Shivam Dube scored fifty runs, showcasing his increased pace gears and ability to smash spin. He took a few wickets as well, and although his death bowling was not very good, he did dole out some different looks and received some bounce.
Dube’s performance in the third T20I wasn’t what he hoped for. But overall, his performance throughout the series made India ponder. His strong hitting and bowling abilities make him a unique all-rounder. These skills could make him a strong contender for the T20 World Cup.
3. Rohit Sharma ends run drought with a big knock
With two ducks in the opening two matches, Rohit Sharma’s T20I return looked certain to turn out badly. However, the Indian captain produced one of his greatest hundreds in the format at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
In addition to his personal lack of form, Rohit had to contend with difficult circumstances and the loss of four early wickets. Although he started out his knock a little shaky, he made an effort to be creative and kept the scoreboard moving. As the inning went on, the 36-year-old found his game and never looked back at his difficult beginning.
With many massive hits over the fence, Rohit finished with his sixth T20I ton. He also played a significant role in the next two Super Overs.
The team management and selectors would have been relieved to see Rohit have a bat in Bengaluru, since they had taken a risk by including him in the lineup. And his involvement at the top of the order will be a huge plus if he can keep up this pace.
