India begin their three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Dharamshala on Saturday (June 13). The hosts want a winning start to the tour. JioStar expert Piyush Chawla shared his views on Rohit Sharma, the Afghan spin threat, and India's likely XI on JioHotstar's 'Game Plan'. His comments also covered possible debutants and the bowling mix for the opener.
Chawla said the series matters greatly for Rohit Sharma. He noted the Indian captain now plays only one format. That makes every innings more valuable. He added that time in the middle matters more than net work or practice games. For Chawla, the bigger scores are what India will expect from Rohit.
Piyush Chawla on Rohit Sharma and Afghanistan
Explaining why he feels Rohit will be judged more on big runs than cameos, Chawla said: "When
you are playing just one format for India, you want to spend as much time at the crease as possible because, no matter how much net practice or match simulation you do, an international match, regardless of the opposition, is a different challenge.
"So, as a batter, you want to score big runs and, if he is completely fit, he would want to score those big hundreds that everyone has come to expect from him. Because more than those quick 40s and 50s, the team would want those innings of 120-130 runs off 100 deliveries from Rohit. "
Chawla also pointed to Afghanistan's spinners as a major test for India. He said white-ball cricket is where Afghanistan's reputation is strongest. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will be key in the middle overs. He feels India's middle order likes to attack spin, which should create an intense contest. That battle in the middle overs may shape the result.
Chawla expects both teams to target that phase closely. He said Afghanistan's limited-overs bowling is more proven than its Test attack. India's batters will need patience and smart risk-taking against spin. Those overs could decide which side controls the first ODI.
Piyush Chawla on Rohit Sharma, Afghanistan and India XI
On possible new faces, Chawla said Gurnoor, Harsh Dubey and Prince Yadav could all get chances. He linked that to India taking a 2-0 lead early in the series. Even so, he singled out Prince Yadav as the strongest candidate. He praised his pressure bowling in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the IPL.
Chawla said Prince Yadav impressed with clear plans and accurate yorkers. He also credited his wicket-taking ability under pressure. That made him the player he would watch most closely. For Chawla, performances in both domestic cricket and the IPL have strengthened Prince's case for a debut.
The former India spinner also addressed the number three question and the wicketkeeper spot. He said Yashasvi Jaiswal has done nothing wrong. Jaiswal's century against South Africa in his last ODI was noted. Still, Chawla felt current form makes Ishan Kishan the stronger choice for the first match.
The former India spinner also explained why Kishan suits the squad balance. He said a World Cup trip needs a backup wicketkeeper. Kishan can fill that role and also serve as a spare opener. That flexibility, according to Chawla, gives India two options in one player and helps the team manage its squad better.
For the spin attack, the Uttar Pradesh cricketer said he would pick Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav. He said Washington adds batting depth until No. 8. Kuldeep, meanwhile, should handle the middle overs. Chawla pointed to Kuldeep's ODI record and said very few bowlers come close to those numbers in that format.
Among the pacers, Chawla wants Arshdeep Singh to get game time. He sees him as a new-ball option who can strike early. Prasidh Krishna is his other preferred seamer for the first ODI. India will look to start the series with that mix in Dharamshala on Saturday, before the remaining matches follow.
