Afghanistan have unveiled their squads for the upcoming one-off Take a look at and three-match ODI sequence in opposition to India, with a number of skilled campaigners returning to the setup. The Take a look at squad, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, contains the comeback of seasoned batter Rahmat Shah and star all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai for the red-ball contest scheduled to be performed in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10.
The selectors have additionally proven religion in younger top-order batter Sediqullah Atal, who continues to be seen as one in every of Afghanistan’s promising batting abilities throughout codecs.
Rahmat Shah’s return provides expertise to batting lineup
One of many greatest speaking factors from the squad announcement is the return of Rahmat to the Take a look at aspect. The veteran batter has been a vital determine in Afghanistan’s journey in Take a look at cricket and has featured in 11 of the nation’s 12 Checks to date. He had missed Afghanistan’s most up-to-date one-off Take a look at in opposition to Zimbabwe final yr, however his inclusion for the India problem brings stability and precious expertise to the center order.
Atal and Omarzai, in the meantime, are nonetheless comparatively new to the longest format. Each gamers have just one Take a look at look to their names, having debuted in opposition to Zimbabwe in 2024. Regardless of restricted expertise, the crew administration seems eager to spend money on their long-term improvement.
Rashid Khan absent from Take a look at squad as soon as once more
Star spinner Rashid Khan continues to stay unavailable for Take a look at cricket as Afghanistan preserve a cautious method concerning his health and workload administration. Head coach Richard Pybus had just lately said that Rashid ought to prioritise his long-term well being after battling harm considerations in current months.
In Rashid’s absence, Afghanistan are anticipated to rely closely on leg-spinner Qais Ahmad to steer the spin assault. Left-arm spin choices Sharafuddin Ashraf and Nangeyalia Kharote have additionally been included to strengthen the bowling division in Indian situations. The tempo assault for the Take a look at will characteristic Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi and Saleem Safi, whereas wicketkeeping tasks are anticipated to be shared between Afsar Zazai and Ikram Alikhil.
Take a look at Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Saleem Safi
Reserves: Bashir Ahmad, Bashir Shah, Ismat Alam
Additionally READ: Here’s why Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan denied citizenship request from India
ODI squad retains acquainted core forward of Dharamsala sequence
Afghanistan’s ODI squad for the three-match sequence starting in Dharamsala on June 14 largely resembles the aspect that carried out strongly in opposition to Bangladesh final yr. The batting group will as soon as once more revolve round Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat and Atal.
Rashid returns to the ODI setup and can headline Afghanistan’s spin assets alongside Nangeyalia Kharote and AM Ghazanfar. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi and Omarzai are anticipated to play important roles with each bat and ball. One notable addition to the ODI squad is left-arm seamer Fareed Malik, who makes his return to the format after final that includes in an ODI in 2024.
With a mix of skilled names and rising expertise, Afghanistan will likely be aiming to problem India strongly in each codecs throughout what guarantees to be an vital tour for the quickly bettering aspect.
ODI Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Zia ur Rahman, Fareed Malik, Bilal Sami
Reserves: Qais Ahmad, Saleem Safi, Bashir Ahmad
Additionally READ: India announce Test and ODI squads for Afghanistan series; Gurnoor Brar and Manav Suthar earn maiden call-ups
