Badrinath’s Take on India’s T20I Squad vs Afghanistan

Former Indian Batter S Badrinath Weighs In

As India gears up to face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series, former Indian batter S Badrinath has shared his insights on the squad selected by head coach Gautam Gambhir. While the series may not be deemed a showdown of top-tier teams, Badrinath’s evaluation of the players brings an interesting angle.

Gambhir’s Favorites Return

Badrinath alludes to certain players favored by Gambhir returning to the team, though he doesn’t list specific names immediately. However, he emphasizes the significance of Washington Sundar’s inclusion, a player who has often found favor in the national side. In fact, he remarked on his YouTube channel, stating, “Washington Sundar is getting tremendous backing in Indian cricket. He needs to make the most of it.”

Injury Concerns in the Line-up

The squad features players such as Jasprit Bumrah, who have been recovering from injuries. Badrinath noted that Bumrah’s absence from the pitch in previous matches, including the Zimbabwe series and a Test series against Sri Lanka, raised doubts about his fitness heading into the series against Afghanistan. He asserted that Bumrah’s return represents a massive boost for the Indian team.

Key Player Insights

Badrinath focuses particularly on the importance of Bumrah’s presence, disclosing, “Bumrah’s return is a huge positive. It could be that he himself insisted on playing these three matches after a long break from cricket.” His statement points out the potential behind-the-scenes communication between Bumrah and the management, hinting that the pacer might have exerted influence over his selection.

Mixed Feelings on Nitish Kumar Reddy

While Badrinath has high hopes for Sundar, he expressed skepticism about Nitish Kumar Reddy—a young all-rounder. He stated, “I still feel he’s a batter and not someone I rate with the ball.” Badrinath’s evaluation suggests that Reddy’s all-round capabilities may not meet the standards expected at the international level.

Final Thoughts Ahead of the Series

As the countdown begins for the series starting on September 19, expectations mount with the return of key players like Bumrah and Sundar. Will these players rise to the occasion? Badrinath certainly seems to think they should make the most of the opportunities presented to them in this not-so-high-profile series.