IND vs AFG: Murali Vijay doesn't want to take Afghanistan lightly

The Indian team is gearing up for the much-awaited Afghanistan Test, which will start from June 14 at M Chinnaswamy stadium. This will be Afghanistan’s first-ever Test and they will aim to make it memorable. On the other hand, Indians are ready to face the threat that Rashid Khan possess.

Indian opener Murali Vijay quoted that the game against Afghanistan will be an interesting one as their teammates can take the opportunity and express themselves on the field before taking on England Test team in England starting from the month of August.

“The Test against Afghanistan gives us an opportunity to go out there and express ourselves. It will definitely be an interesting game and from there on, the strategies for the England series will start,” said Vijay as quoted by Gulf News. By any means, Vijay doesn’t want to take the debutants Afghanistan lightly and termed the side as a quality team, “Afghanistan is a quality side and Test cricket as such is a test for any player,” he added.

Indian team may struggle in England once more

The Indian team will next travel to England where they will play ODIs, T20Is and Tests for almost three months. However, the Indian Test squad isn’t selected, but it’s most likely that Vijay will be the opener alongside Dhawan or KL Rahul. He further added that patience is the key to success in tough English conditions.

“Even experienced players tend to struggle in England as the conditions are alien. Scoring runs in such conditions is a mental game and you have to be persistent. It is important to bide your time, believe in yourself and runs will come. That’s what I have looked to do throughout my career.”

Vijay stressed that the individual performances will not count until the team wins. There was no point in scoring centuries in losing cause. The opening batsman wants all players to step in and perform well in the much-awaited England tour.

“I have been telling people that it’s about winning more than individual performances. You can perform well but at the end of the day if the team doesn’t win (the series), then it doesn’t give much happiness.”

Stay updated on ‘today’s cricket news‘ with CricTracker.com.