India vs Afghanistan live streaming: India face a selection dilemma as they prepare to take on Afghanistan in the opening match of their three-game T20I series on Sunday: should they back the fearless aggression of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or rely on the experience and natural flair of Sanju Samson?
Sooryavanshi was handed a place in the playing XI during India’s recent tour of England, with Samson making way. However, by the final match of the series, the 15-year-old was back on the sidelines as Samson returned to the team.
It is far from an easy decision. Samson and Abhishek Sharma form a more settled and proven opening combination in T20Is and have produced encouraging results together. Ideally, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shreyas Iyer would give both Samson and Sooryavanshi sufficient opportunities before settling on their preferred XI for the Asian Games in Japan.
At Friday evening’s net session, Samson appeared slightly more composed, while Sooryavanshi was given a valuable lesson in handling high-quality pace from Jasprit Bumrah. The youngster had to deal with movement off the surface and may simply have needed some time to adjust after playing three consecutive red-ball matches.
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Against Afghanistan, however, Sooryavanshi could find conditions much more to his liking. None of the Afghan quicks come close to Bumrah’s quality, while their pace could actually complement Sooryavanshi’s uncomplicated approach at the crease. His limited footwork and powerful stand-and-deliver style could prove particularly effective against an attack that may give him the pace he needs to play his shots.
There is also a possibility that India could accommodate both Sooryavanshi and Samson if Ishan Kishan is ruled out. Kishan suffered a back injury scare during Friday evening’s net session, and his availability will be closely monitored.
For the Indian squad that will eventually compete at the Asian Games, this series offers an ideal preparation opportunity. Three T20Is against a full-strength Afghanistan side, featuring a formidable spin trio of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, should provide India with exactly the kind of challenge they need ahead of the tournament.
When is the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I set to be played?
The India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I is set to be played on September 13 (Sunday).
Where will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I be played?
The India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.
What time does the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I start?
The India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I will start at 7:00 PM IST.
Which TV channel will telecast India vs Afghanistan in India?
The India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I will be telecast live on the Sony Sports network in India.
Where can I catch the live streaming of India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I in India?
The live streaming of the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I will be available on the FanCode app and website.
