New Delhi: India have announced their squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, beginning on September 13 in New Delhi, with the return of several key players from injury.
Jasprit Bumrah headlines the list of returning stars after missing international action due to a left-knee injury sustained during an ODI against England on July 16. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana have also returned to the squad, although their final availability remains subject to fitness clearance.
The Afghanistan series will serve as an important preparation phase ahead of the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan later this month.
Sanju Samson’s Role Could Be Crucial
Among the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the inclusion of Sanju Samson, who has once again earned an important opportunity to establish himself in India’s T20 setup.
Samson has been named as one of two designated wicketkeepers alongside Ishan Kishan. With several explosive top-order options available, competition for places in India’s playing XI is expected to be intense.
However, Samson brings valuable versatility to the squad. Apart from his wicketkeeping ability, he has the capability to bat in different positions and accelerate the scoring rate quickly. His experience at the international level and ability to play attacking cricket could make him a crucial option for the Indian team.
The Afghanistan series could therefore become a significant opportunity for Samson. A strong performance may help him strengthen his position in India’s long-term T20 plans, particularly with major international competitions ahead.
Strong Competition in the Top Order
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also been included after an impressive run against Zimbabwe. He joins an explosive batting group featuring Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan.
India’s top order now has several aggressive options capable of changing the course of a match quickly. This also means that Samson will face strong competition for a place in the playing XI.
Captain Shreyas Iyer and vice-captain Tilak Varma will form the core of the middle order, while Shivam Dube provides additional power-hitting ability.
Bumrah Leads India’s Pace Attack
Bumrah’s return significantly strengthens India’s bowling department. The pace attack will also feature Arshdeep Singh, while Harshit Rana provides another option with his variations and cutters.
India have selected Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as all-round options. The spin department will be led by Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi.
India’s Squad for Afghanistan T20Is
Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma (VC), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana.**
