Cricket
Is Ajay Jadeja Coaching Afghanistan Cricket Team In 2024 T20 World Cup?
Ajay Jadeja coached Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup played in India. They performed exceptionally well in the tournament and won 4 out of their 9 matches. With Afghanistan close to qualifying for the semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, the fans are eager to know if Ajay Jadeja is coaching them in the ongoing ICC event or not.
Ajay Jadeja coached Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Photo: AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Ajay Jadeja coached Afghanistan in 2023 ODI World Cup
- Afghanistan won 4 out of 9 matches
- They are close to qualifying for the semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup
Afghanistan did the unthinkable in the Super 8 game of the 2024 T20 World Cup and defeated Afghanistan by a 21-run margin to keep their hopes of making it to the semi-final alive. The Rashid Khan-led side wasn’t the favourite going into the contest and Afghanistan failed to put up a big total on the board.
Australia were bowled out for 127 in the chase to the target of 149. Afghanistan punched above their weight against Australia and it would have needed guidance from someone who has played international cricket for many years. Someone like Ajay Jadeja?
Not to forget, Ajay Jadeja was Afghanistan’s mentor in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India and he travelled with them across the country. Afghanistan came up with their best performance in the WC and won 4 out of their 9 matches. They defeated Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.
With Afghanistan delivering their best performance in the 2024 T20 WC, the fans would be wondering if Jadeja is coaching the team in the ICC event or not.
No, Jadeja isn’t part of the Afghanistan’s coaching staff. He only coached them in the 2023 ODI WC. It will be interesting to see if he returns to Afghanistan’s backroom staff for the 2026 T20 WC, scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka.
Dwayne Bravo is part of Afghanistan’s coaching staff
Dwayne Bravo is part of Afghanistan’s coaching staff. The T20 cricket legend was appointed as Afghanistan’s bowling consultant for the ICC event in May 2024. Afghanistan’s bowlers have performed exceptionally well in the tournament. Jonathan Trott is the head coach of Afghanistan.
How can Afghanistan qualify for semi-final?
First things first, Afghanistan need to win their last Super 8 game against Bangladesh. A defeat will rule them out of the competition. The Rashid-led side will qualify for the semi-final if they defeat Bangladesh and Australia lose to India.
Should Australia and Afghanistan both win their matches, the equation will come down to the NRR. Afghanistan have a tough road despite their win over Australia and the Mitchell Marsh-led side is better placed than Afghanistan.
A defeat for Australia at the hands of India will be a boon for Afghanistan and they will just need to defeat Bangladesh. The two semi-finals are scheduled to be played on June 27 from 6:00 AM IST and 8:00 PM IST. The final of the 2024 T20 WC will be played on June 29.