A head of the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s clash between India and Afghanistan, Rohit Sharma confirm ed that fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been dropped from the playing XI. The Hyderabad native was replaced by left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The Men in Blue have gone undefeated throughout the tournament with three wins and one no-result.
Team India started their campaign with a comfortable win against Ireland before emerging victorious in tough clashes against Pakistan and the USA. Through the group stage, Siraj was playing in the pace-friendly conditions of New York but as the action moved to the West Indies, Kuldeep Yadav replaced him.
We have made one change, Kuldeep comes in for Siraj: Rohit Sharma
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Rohit Sharma said, “We are going to bat first. Looks alright at this moment, looks a good track. No grass on the pitch, I guess it will get slower. It’s better than New York. We have to adapt to the conditions quickly. We have been here for a couple of days, we have played a lot of cricket. It’s about understanding what we need to do in conditions like these. It’s an early start. Usually start in the evening elsewhere. We enjoy playing here. We have made one change, Kuldeep comes in for Siraj.”
Karim Janat is not playing, Zazai comes in: Rashid Khan
Similarly for Afghanistan, Rashid Khan also confirmed one change for their playing XI from their previous game against West Indies. Khan revealed Karim Janat was replaced by Hazratullah Zazai. He said, “We would have liked to bat first. It’s more about how you play the game in T20s. Happy with our preparations and how things have gone.”
“We are facing good teams, need to control our emotions and play our natural game. It does help getting used to the conditions. We have to play good cricket. We have one change, Karim Janat is not playing, Zazai comes in.”