For Afghanistan’s cricket team, the first-ever bilateral white-ball series against India marks more than just a set of matches. It’s a stepping stone in a journey towards greater exposure and competitive growth. Coach Jonathan Trott sees the series as a “step in the right direction,” recognizing the immense value of playing a top cricketing nation like India.
But his aspirations extend beyond this singular event.
“We want to play as many series as possible in other countries,” Jonathan Trott declared in a press conference ahead of IND vs AFG 2nd T20I. He acknowledges the vast experience individual Afghan players have gained through franchise cricket worldwide, yet emphasizes the unique learning curve of playing as a united team in bilateral series.
The exposure, he believes, is invaluable. It familiarizes players with world-class opponents in diverse conditions, a crucial element in refining their game. “Individually, the players have been around the world, but we hope to go to countries as a team,” Jonathan Trott stated.
He views Afghanistan’s performance in the ODI World Cup as a signpost for the future. Their victories against top teams solidified their belief in their abilities. “I think we can do that in this format as well,” he asserts, expressing confidence in their T20 prowess.
Jonathan Trott on WC & beyond
The coming months promise excitement for Afghanistan. Following the India series, they embark on tours of Sri Lanka and Ireland, playing Tests, T20Is, and ODIs in each nation. Trott acknowledges the importance of performing well in these encounters, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon.
“We need to make sure we play well in this series and get ready for Sri Lanka, which is coming up in February,” he emphasizes. “That will be a big series, as well as the one against Ireland, which will be the last T20I practice ahead of the World Cup.”
For the second T20I against India, Trott expects his bowlers to step up and pose a stronger challenge to the Indian batsmen. “We should make sure that we stick to our plans and tighten up in a few areas,” he demands.
Afghanistan’s journey is one of continuous progress. The India series is a significant milestone, but Trott and his team have their sights set on wider horizons. Their desire to play competitive cricket against diverse opponents reflects their ambition to leave their mark on the international stage. And with each step they take, they inch closer to realizing their potential as a formidable cricketing force.
