5 min readSep 11, 2026 05:31 PM IST
Shreyas Iyer on the left and Rashid Khan on the right. (FILE photo)Powerplays in T20 cricket can often determine the course of a batting innings. Blazing starts can give the middle order the freedom to maintain the pace. With Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, India have enough options to make the first six overs count.
In the three-match series against Afghanistan, starting Sunday, however, the next phase could be as important. India’s middle order, comprising the likes of , Tilak Varma and , will have to tackle the hosts’ biggest strength – a quality spin attack that can trouble the best on their day.
Among them, will continue to hold the key. The wrist-spinner has 28 wickets in 22 innings since July 2024 at an economy rate of 5.82. The mystery around him may have faded, but he remains a threat that India can ill afford to take lightly.
