In the India against. Afghanistan 2024 third Twenty20 International, why aren’t Axar Patel and Naveen-ul-Haq playing?

Axar Patel, an all-rounder for Team India, and Arshdeep Singh were instrumental in India’s victory and gave them an insurmountable lead over Afghanistan in the current Twenty20 International Series. Axar, the spin all-rounder, played brilliantly in the first two games played in Mohali and Indore, scoring 2/23 and 2/17, respectively. He got rid of Gulbadin Naib, the visiting team’s leading scorer, and Afghan captain Ibrahim Zadran in the second game.

As they square up in the third and final game of the three-match Twenty20 International Series on Wednesday, January 17, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India is poised to sweep over Afghanistan. The venue is renowned for its batting-friendly surface, and Rohit Sharma chose to bat first after winning the toss. Interestingly, this is India’s final Twenty20 International before the eagerly awaited ICC T20 World Cup.

Three changes were made by the hosts to their team, with Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Sanju Samson all making their series debuts. Samson will take the field, and Avesh and Kuldeep will support him with their bowling. The Men in Blue benched Jitesh Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and Axar Patel after bringing this trio. The captain of India may have considered giving other benched players the opportunity after sealing the series.

Ibrahim Zadran, meanwhile, benched Fazalhaq Farooqiout, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmed, and Naveen-ul-Haq. Still, Qais Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, and Sharafuddin Ashraf were allowed to play.

In Indore, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh led Team India to victory that sealed the series.

However, after failing to capture any wickets in the first game, pacer Arshdeep Singh bounced back with a three-wicket haul in the Indore T20I. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube both made significant contributions to the successful 172-run chase, which saw India win the series with six wickets in 15.4 overs. Jaiswal scored 68 from 34 deliveries to demonstrate his batting brilliance, and Dube stayed undefeated with a brilliant 63 off 32 balls.