India take on against an unheralded Afghanistan in their first match in the T20 World Cup cricket tournament in West Indies this evening. India will have to guard against complacency to ensure a flying start to their campaign in the mega event. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has already warned his star-studded legion not to underestimate Afghanistan and teammate Yuvraj was also worried about the X-factor of their opponents, who have caught the imagination of the world over the last two years. Considering that a loss can jeopardise their Super Eights hopes, India are expected to have their best men on the park.While Murali Vijay may make his debut, it is unlikely they would field R Vinay Kumar, who could be handy on this slow-paced deck. The Indian top-order has been fortified with the presence of Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, who was in rollicking form during the just-concluded IPL.Down the order, there are Yusuf Pathan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who can murder any opponent with their big-hitting spree. Harbhajan Singh, Pathan and Yuvraj strengthen the bowling stable, giving it the teeth that India have been longing for in the big event environment. Afghanistan, on the other hand, have already rang a warning bell, saying they have some tricks up their sleeves and were capable of surprising the Indians at the Beausejour Cricket Ground today.
News On AIR | May 1, 2010 12:02 PM
T20 World Cup: India take on Afghanistan