Former India captain joins Afghanistan as mentor for World Cup
Former India captain Ajay Jadeja has assumed the role of mentor of Afghanistan for the duration of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Monday, 02 October.
Jadeja arrives with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Indian conditions. His impressive ODI record boasts 196 matches, amassing 5359 runs at an average of 37.47, including six centuries and 30 half-centuries. In addition, Jadeja represented India in 15 Test matches between 1992 and 2000.
He was also part of India's World Cup squad in three editions – in 1992, 1996 and 1999. One of the standout moments from India's 1992 World Cup campaign was when Jadeja took a remarkable catch to dismiss Allan Border during their group-stage match against Australia.
Afghanistan is currently in India, gearing up for the World Cup. However, their preparation was hampered during the first round of warm-up games after their match against South Africa was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to heavy rain in Thiruvananthapuram.
They will be in action again on Tuesday, 3 October against Sri Lanka in Guwahati as they look to get some game time ahead of the tournament.
Afghanistan's World Cup campaign begins on 7 October when they take on Asian rivals Bangladesh at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.