India would not know what to expect from the surface at the Korogi Sports Park which also staged the women’s competition won by Harmanpreet Kaur and Company. Though the women’s event was a high-scoring affair, the men’s games thus far have not seen big totals. India will face an inexperienced Afghanistan in their Asian Games opener on Monday with the overwhelming favourites looking to quickly acclimatise to the unfamiliar conditions in Japan. After the one off game against Japan in Sano on Tuesday when India were pushed to the limit by the hosts on a turning track, the Shreyas Iyer-led side has not had much to do.
It is to be noted that India have come here with a full strength squad unlike last time with Iyer himself part of the side alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel. Anything less than a gold would be disappointing, especially factoring in the rocky start Iyer has had to ensure as captain post back-to-back titles in the T20 World Cup. Afghanistan, who were hammered by India in Delhi recently, have come here with an inexperienced squad led by Darwish Rasooli. The selectors picked as many as six uncapped players for the tournament.
