- Coming close on the heels of the successful conduct of the eighteenth edition of the hugely popular and cash-rich, lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL), the recently concluded three-match 50-over one-day internationals (ODIs) against Team Afghan offered little traction for Team India vis-à-vis testing the bench strength. Crazy cricket fans have been overfed with an extravaganza of such power-hitting pyrotechnics by some of the most talented performers in the recently concluded IPL that anything above 20-overs resembles pedestrians. Such has been the incessant serving of amazing power-hitting witnessed over the two-plus months of the IPL, where sixes and fours simply flowed unabated. And that too against the minnows Afghanistan in a 50-over contest.
PC: The Times of India
- Yes, the selection for the series was anticipated with great excitement since some of the big names in Indian cricket, like the talismanic Virat Kohli and the mercurial all-rounder Hardik Pandya, were injured. The selection of Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav, and Harsh Dubey hit the headlines. These three exciting talents received due recognition for displaying consistency and promise over the last couple of years. Indeed, all eyes were on the Hitman Rohit Sharma, who is struggling oflate due to a hamstring injury. But due credit should accrue to Rohit for showing great intent, commitment, focus, and determination for continuing to play at the highest levels by shedding weight. He looks determined to make it to the 50-over World Cup in South Africa next year.
PC: Deccan Herald
- The moot point to ponder over here is whether Rohit will continue to maintain fitness, hunger, and runs whenever given an opportunity to justify his selection in the team competing in the marquee event. The mind may be willing to stretch the limits, but the body may not be aligned to compete at the highest levels of international cricket. There are several equally talented and proven cricketers waiting in the wings to step into the big shoes of Rohit. Despite scoring a fine century in the third and last ODI against Afghanistan, the other opener, Yashaswi Jaiswal, finds himself not in the selected team to play against England. Call it the riches of talented cricketers, a welcome headache for the selectors, the Indian selectors must take some tough calls.
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PC: Firstpost
- Coming to the subject headline, the three-match ODI series was comfortably won by Team India 3-0 without breaking into a sweat. Was it really required to even play the series soon after the gruelling IPL begs the question. Apart from showcasing the abundant talent of the hosts, the series offered an opportunity for the Afghan Team to contest against a quality team like India. Yes, the arguments about Team India testing the final combination for the ensuing World Cup would be duly considered. But having to contest against Afghanistan at home doesn’t serve much purpose. Nonetheless, every 50-over contest from now on would provide the selectors a blueprint to choose from to zero in on the team for the World Cup 2026.
