Kuldeep Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal are among those who could come into contention for a place in the playing XI. Kuldeep’s recent struggles have seen him slip down the pecking order, but the left-arm spinner’s ability to break partnerships in the middle overs could prove invaluable. Debutant Harsh Dubey, despite claiming three wickets in the opener, may have to make way if the management opts for experience.
Jaiswal, meanwhile, is waiting for his chance with Virat Kohli unavailable. Bowling coach Morne Morkel has already hinted that multiple players, including KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan, will be tested at No. 3 as India seek greater flexibility in their batting order.
Afghanistan will hope for a better collective effort after Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s century went in vain in the first ODI. Their experienced spin trio of Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar and Mohammad Nabi could enjoy more assistance from the Lucknow surface as they look to level the series.
