IND vs AFG: Can Rohit Sharma led India hand Afghanistan a historic series whitewash?

In the final instalment of the T20I series between India and Afghanistan, scheduled for Wednesday in Bengaluru, the Indian cricket team aims for a historic whitewash. After securing victories in the first two matches, India will be aiming for a world record. The team has displayed an ultra-aggressive approach, chasing down 159 and 173 in 17.3 and 15.4 overs, respectively, in Mohali and Indore.

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Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, the team has clinched the series by triumphing in the initial two matches. A victory in the upcoming third T20I in Bengaluru would mark a historic whitewash. Currently, India and Pakistan share the record for the highest number of whitewashes in bilateral T20I series history, both having achieved this feat eight times. However, a win in the upcoming third T20I would propel India to a tally of 9, establishing them as the first team to accomplish such a milestone.

India's victories were marked by a notable shift in their T20 strategy, with an emphasis on an aggressive mindset from the outset. Shivam Dube and the returning Virat Kohli exemplified this change, with Kohli's aggressive 29 off 16 balls showcasing a transformed approach against Afghan spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman. Dube, after a three-year hiatus, delivered two brutal fifties, proving too much for Afghanistan's bowling lineup, lacking the services of the injured Rashid Khan.

Can Rohit Sharma make a comeback?

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The Indian team, already having sealed the series, aims to perfect their T20 template and maintain the intensity displayed in the earlier matches. This final T20 encounter serves as crucial preparation ahead of the World Cup in June. Despite the successes, opener Rohit Sharma has yet to make a substantial contribution, and the team management will hope for a significant innings from him.

In terms of potential changes, the Indian think tank might consider giving game time to Kuldeep Yadav and Avesh Khan. Kuldeep could replace either Ravi Bishnoi or Washington Sundar, while Avesh might step in for pacer Mukesh Kumar. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma, who has been playing T20Is since the fourth match against Australia last year, could be rested, providing an opportunity for Sanju Samson.

For Afghanistan, the series has seen glimpses of promise without transforming into match-winning performances. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, after two mediocre outings, becomes crucial for setting or chasing a target. A victory against India would not only prevent a whitewash but also boost Afghanistan's confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures against Sri Lanka and Ireland.