ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Suryakumar Yadav Should Play Against Afghanistan If He Is Fit: Ajit Agarkar

Former Indian pace bowler Ajit Agarkar wants Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav to be included in the team that plays against Afghanistan.

Suryakumar was rested against New Zealand after the Mumbai player complained about a back-spasm, and Ishan Kishan replaced him in the playing XI.

Ishan Kishan also opened the batting with KL Rahul, which pushed veteran opener Rohit Sharma, to No.3 against the Black Caps. However, the move didn’t paid well as Ishan could add only four runs to the total while Rohit made just 14.

Suryakumar Yadav should play if he is fit: Ajit Agarkar

Suryakumar, who played his first T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, has been struggling with his batting form in the last few months.

The 31-year-old amassed 317 runs for Mumbai Indians at an average of 22.64 in IPL 2021.

Agarkar wants Suryakumar to play against Afghanistan if he has regained his fitness and also wants Rohit to open the batting order.

Agarkar also backed all-rounder Hardik Pandya to continue for India, given that he bowled against New Zealand.

“Suryakumar Yadav if he is fit, comes in for me Rohit goes to open the innings. Pandya’s form is certainly a concern, but if you’ve backed him for 2 games, then you don’t want to tinker too much. He also bowled a couple of overs in the last game, so that helps,” Agarkar told ESPNCricinfo.

“India would just look to bat better. change in venue, I don’t know about that but a change of mindset definitely would,” he added.

No need to take unnecessary risks against Rashid Khan: Ajit Agarkar

India will face the spin threat of Afghanistan in the coming game, especially when they face leg-spinner Rashid Khan.

Rashid has picked seven wickets from three matches so far in the tournament, and his intent to get a breakthrough will be something Indian batters will counter in the coming match.

Agarkar advised the Indian batter not to take unnecessary risk against the dangerous spinner.

“You have to look at the situation. Very few batsman successfully manage to attack Rashid Khan. If you are getting enough runs against the rest of the bowling attack, no need to take unnecessary risks against Rashid,” Agarkar mentioned.

India play against Afghanistan on Wednesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Sunil Gavaskar Thinks Rohit Sharma Will Comeback As Opener Against Afghanistan