India vs Afghanistan T20I series will see the return of Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah to India’s squad, while Hardik Pandya remains unavailable for selection. The BCCI announced the squad on Tuesday for the three-match series, with all games scheduled to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi between September 13 and 17.
Sanju Samson returns to India’s T20I squad
Sanju Samson has been recalled to the Indian T20I side after missing the team’s Zimbabwe tour in July. The wicketkeeper-batter had been overlooked after a run of low scores during India’s tours of Ireland and England.
His absence from the Zimbabwe series allowed Prabhsimran Singh to receive an opportunity following his strong performances in the IPL, while young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also opened the innings for India.
Samson’s return adds another experienced wicketkeeping option to India’s T20I squad. He will compete for the gloves alongside Ishan Kishan, who has also been included in the team.
Jasprit Bumrah returns but fitness clearance required
Jasprit Bumrah has also been selected for the Afghanistan T20Is. This marks his first inclusion in India’s T20I squad since the World Cup final against New Zealand earlier this year in Ahmedabad.
However, Bumrah’s participation remains subject to fitness clearance. The fast bowler suffered a knee injury during India’s ODI tour of England in July and subsequently missed the Test series in Sri Lanka.
His availability will therefore be closely monitored ahead of the three-match series in New Delhi.
Hardik Pandya still absent
One of the major talking points from the squad announcement is the continued absence of Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder has not played since the conclusion of IPL 2026 after reportedly suffering a leg injury while training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
His delayed return means India will have to continue managing the balance of their T20I side without one of their most experienced all-rounders.
Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana subject to fitness
Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana have also been selected for the Afghanistan series, but both players must receive fitness clearance before taking part.
The duo recently dealt with hamstring injuries, making their availability another fitness-related consideration for the Indian team management.
India’s squad for Afghanistan T20Is
The BCCI has largely retained the group that was selected for the Asian Games in Japan, with Samson and Bumrah among the notable returning names.
- 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*
*Players subject to fitness clearance.
India vs Afghanistan T20I series schedule
India will host Afghanistan for a three-match T20I series as part of Afghanistan’s Future Tours Programme. All three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi between September 13 and 17.
The series will provide India with another opportunity to assess its T20I combinations, while the return of key players such as Samson and potentially Bumrah will add further depth to the squad.
What Hardik Pandya’s absence means for India
Hardik Pandya’s continued absence is likely to remain an important selection issue for India. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the team flexibility in T20 cricket, making his fitness particularly important ahead of future assignments.
For now, India’s selectors have opted to continue with the available group while monitoring the fitness of several players. The Afghanistan series could therefore become an important opportunity for the team to test its options before the next major T20I challenges.
FAQs
Is Sanju Samson back in India’s T20I squad?
Yes, Sanju Samson has been recalled to India’s T20I squad for the three-match Afghanistan series.
Is Hardik Pandya selected for the Afghanistan T20Is?
No, Hardik Pandya has not been selected as his return to the Indian team remains delayed.
Is Jasprit Bumrah back in India’s T20I team?
Yes, Jasprit Bumrah has been selected, but his participation is subject to fitness clearance.
Where will India play Afghanistan in the T20I series?
All three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
When will the India vs Afghanistan T20I series take place?
The three-match series will be played between September 13 and September 17, 2026.
Who is India’s captain for the Afghanistan T20Is?
Shreyas Iyer has been named India’s captain for the series.
Who is India’s vice-captain?
Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain.
Which players need fitness clearance?
Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana are marked as subject to fitness clearance.
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