Why Naveen-ul-Haq and Axar Patel are not playing 3rd T20I between India vs Afghanistan 2024?

India are all set to inflict a clean sweep over Afghanistan in the three-match T20I series as they are locking horns in the third and final game on Wednesday, January 17, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first at the stadium famed for its batting-friendly surface. Remarkably, this marks India's last T20I prior to the much-awaited ICC T20 World Cup.

The hosts made three changes in their squad which saw Sanju Samson, Avesh Khan, and Kuldeep Yadav all earning a place for the first time in the ongoing series. Samson will don the gloves while Avesh and Kuldeep will bolster the bowling attack. Bringing this trio, the Men in Blue benched Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Jitesh Sharma. Having already clinched the series, the India captain might have thought of granting the prospect to other benched players.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Zadran benched Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmed, and Fazalhaq Farooqiout. However, Qais Ahmad, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Saleem, and Fareed Ahmad were given the opportunity to play.

Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh powered Team India to a series-clinching win in Indore

Team India all-rounder Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh played crucial roles in India's triumph thereby gaining an unassailable lead in the ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan. The spin all-rounder, Axar, delivered outstanding performances with figures of 2/23 and 2/17 in the first two games held in Mohali and Indore, respectively.  In the second game, he dismissed Afghan captain Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib, who was the top-scorer of the visiting side.

Pacer Arshdeep Singh, on the other hand, secured a three-wicket haul in the Indore T20I, rebounding after failing to take any wickets in the opening game. In addition to their contributions, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube played pivotal roles in the successful 172-run chase, leading India to a six-wicket victory in 15.4 overs and sealing the series. Jaiswal showcased his batting prowess with a score of 68 off 34 deliveries, while Dube remained unbeaten with a striking 63 off 32 balls.