Afghanistan made notable additions to their squad ahead of the three-match ODI series against IndiaIt will start on June 13 in Dharamsala. The visitors opted to bolster their pace bowling resources after one of their young fast bowlers caught the eye with an impressive display during the recently concluded one-off test at New Chandigarh.
The move comes as Afghanistan continue their preparations for a tough ODI assignment against a strong Indian side. The series will be played across Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai, with the visitors hoping to bounce back after a tough outing in the red-ball competition.
The pace bowler was rewarded with an ODI call-up after an outstanding display in the one-off Test
A player who is rewarded for his performances is a fast bowler Muhammad SalimHe was added to Afghanistan’s ODI squad after a great effort against India in the one-off Test. Saleem was initially selected only for the Test match, but his strong batting against the Indian ball convinced the team management to extend his stay in the national team. Despite Afghanistan’s heavy defeat, the 23-year-old emerged as one of the standout performers for the visitors.
The right-arm pacer consistently bowled close to 140 kmph and showed impressive stamina while working in tough conditions. He produced bounce from an otherwise unresponsive surface and often troubled Indian batsmen with his aggressive approach. Head coach of Afghanistan Richard Pybus After the test, he was full of praise for the young sailor.
“He’s just been fantastic. If you come here and take six wickets in extreme heat against a quality batting line-up, it reflects well not only on him but on us.” Pybus said.
Saleem was among the first bowlers to practice during Afghanistan’s recent training session in Mohali and troubled the batsmen with his pace and sharp short-cut delivery.
Rashid Khan is set to join the team ahead of the ODI opener
While Saleem joined the team’s preparations, the Afghanistan team was without its two big stars in its last training session in Mohali. Premier leg spinner Rashid KhanThe one-off Test skipper is expected to contact the squad in Dharamsala directly ahead of the first ODI. Veteran all-rounder Muhammad Nabi although he remained in the team, he was out of training due to illness.
Afghanistan will hope Rashid’s return and Saleem’s addition provide the perfect balance as they prepare to face India in tough conditions. They have a strong line-up of experienced names as visitors Hashemtullah Shahidi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rehmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid and will aim to make a strong statement in the 50-plus series.
Afghanistan ODI squad for India series: Hashemtullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasuli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharotai, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifemi, Mohamed Sharifam,
Also READ: IND vs AFG: Top 5 players to watch out for in Prince Yadav ft ODI series
