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Rahul Dravid, coach of the Indian team, emphasized that they will approach their upcoming second-round match against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup with utmost seriousness. India emerged unbeaten in the initial pool phase, securing their spot in the Super Eights composed of two groups of four teams.

Afghanistan, despite a heavy 104-run loss to West Indies in St Lucia, have shown their potential as semi-final contenders by progressing into the Super Eights. Nicholas Pooran’s powerful innings of 98 highlighted their performance in that match.

Earlier in the tournament, Afghanistan had convincingly defeated New Zealand by 84 runs. Dravid recalled India’s closely contested T20 encounter with Afghanistan in Bengaluru in January, which required two Super Overs to decide the winner. He acknowledged the formidable challenge that Afghanistan poses and stressed the importance of his players being prepared for the match at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday.

“We know Afghanistan is a very dangerous team in this format of the game,” former India batsman Dravid, 51 told a pre-match press conference on Wednesday. “They have shown that by their performances in this World Cup.

“They might not have a lot of international experience in the other formats of the game, but a lot of their players do play in a lot of T20 leagues, more than in fact some of our players do.

“So, certainly in this format they are not a team to be taken lightly. They are deservedly in the Super Eights.”

Afghanistan has largely relied on exceptional spin bowling for their success, prominently led by Rashid Khan. In their match against New Zealand in Guyana, Rashid Khan’s impressive figures of 4 wickets for 17 runs showcased his mastery. Additionally, left-arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi also made a significant impact, claiming 4 wickets for 17 runs himself, which led to New Zealand being dismissed for a mere 75 runs in that same match.

“They have a good bowling attack all round,” said Dravid. “Even their two pacers are quite experienced. Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq have both played a lot of cricket, they both swing the ball as well.

“I think their bowlers are some of the most sought-after bowlers in this format across the world.

“We understand that is going to pose a challenge to us and we are going to have to play well to counter that.”