"It will be challenging for Shivam Dube to be the 3rd fast bowler" - Suresh Raina suggests 2 changes in India's playing XI for 2nd T20I vs Afghanistan
Suresh Raina expects India to make two changes to their playing XI for the second T20I against Afghanistan on Sunday, January 14. He opined the Men in Blue might need to field an additional fast bowler as Shivam Dube might find it challenging to be the third seamer on the small ground in Indore.
India registered a convincing win in the first T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali on Thursday. They were without Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal's services for the series opener, the former skipper for personal reasons and the left-handed opener due to a sore right groin.
During a discussion on JioCinema, Raina was asked whether Kuldeep Yadav could get a place in India's playing XI. He responded:
"He can play. (Ravi) Bishnoi had a slightly bad day. It might be because of the dew. Both Kuldeep and he might play. Washi (Washington Sundar) also bowled well. I feel only Virat (Kohli) might come in. An additional fast bowler might play because, as (Pragyan) Ojha said, it is a small ground.
"Playing more spinners might be taking a chance. So Avesh Khan can play in place of Washi because we have a very lengthy batting lineup. I feel an extra fast bowler will come because it will be challenging for Shivam Dube to be the third fast bowler. He can be the fourth along with three fast bowlers," Raina added.
Dube registered figures of 1/9 in two overs in the first T20I against Afghanistan. However, he was primarily used when the visitors were under pressure and might struggle if the batters are on top in the batting-friendly conditions expected in Indore.
"A groin injury can aggravate" - Suresh Raina on whether Yashasvi Jaiswal should be back in India's playing XI
![Yashasvi Jaiswal was supposed to open with Rohit Sharma in the first T20I. [P/C: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/01/9cf24-17051210890039-1920.jpg?w=500)
Suresh Raina was further asked whether Yashasvi Jaiswal should straightaway return to India's playing XI. He replied:
"It's just a two-day gap. A groin injury can aggravate. You need to do pool sessions and get some massage done. You will have to do a little strengthening. It was cold (in the first game), so it could have gotten aggravated. When Virat Kohli comes in Indore, Tilak (Varma) has done well. So he should be given all three matches."
Pragyan Ojha was asked if he too expects Avesh Khan to be in India's playing XI, considering he is a local boy. He responded:
"It's not because he is a local boy but because of the conditions. As we discussed, it's a small ground and won't be that spin-friendly. So the thinking will definitely be to play an extra fast bowler. So Avesh Khan will get a chance because there will be a temptation to play a fast bowler."
Avesh is the only specialist seamer in the Indian squad apart from Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar, who played the first game. The Indore-born seamer has picked up 18 wickets in as many T20I innings and will hope to get a chance to showcase his prowess on his home ground.