With the India vs Afghanistan T20I series already in the bag, the final match presents an opportunity for experimentation and fringe players to grab their moment. While the core of the lineup will likely remain untouched, a few intriguing changes could be on the horizon. And one of them will likely be the inclusion of Sanju Samson.
The India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I in Bengaluru is also Men in Blue’s last T20I match ahead of the coveted T20 World Cup 2024.
Shubman Gill, sidelined after Jaiswal’s return, needs game time to solidify his spot. India’s middle order, bolstered by Kohli’s comeback, might see the dynamic Tilak Varma coming in. Experimentation can also pave the way for Sanju Samson to finally get a look-in, offering him a chance to make a name in T20I circuit.
The bowling department could see Kuldeep Yadav rotate in for Ravi Bishnoi or Washington Sundar, while Avesh Khan might replace a pacer in the final game.
Sanju Sasmon: X factor?
Sanju Samson, despite decent ODI form, is yet to translate that into consistent T20I performances. This match gives him a platform to showcase his aggressive batting, a potential X-factor for India in future T20 World Cups.
Sanju Samson, with 24 T20I matches under his belt, has scored 374 runs in 21 innings at an average of 19.68 and a strike rate of 133.57. While he has shown glimpses of his potential, the right-hander will be eager to make an impact in the upcoming match.
Overall, the final T20I against Afghanistan might not have the series at stake, but it holds significant value for benchwarmers like Gill, Varma, and Sanju Samson. With the pressure off, they can express themselves freely and stake their claim for a permanent spot in the Indian T20I side.
Will Sanju Samson finally break his T20I fifty drought? Can Gill reignite his form to cement his place in the top order? Who will benefit from the bowling rotation? The answers lie in the exciting twists and turns of the final India vs Afghanistan clash. So buckle up, cricket fans, because this final T20I promises to be a thrilling affair, not just for the result, but for the individual battles that unfold within it.
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