The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson making notable returns. Hardik Pandya, however, has been left out of the squad following a fresh fitness setback.
The three-match series will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17. Shreyas Iyer will continue as captain, while Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain.
Bumrah Returns To T20I Squad
The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the return of Jasprit Bumrah. The premier Indian fast bowler has been included for the Afghanistan series, although his participation remains subject to fitness clearance.
Bumrah’s return provides India with additional experience and firepower in the pace department as the team continues to build its T20 combination.
Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh are the other prominent pace options in the squad, while Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy have also been selected subject to fitness clearance.
Sanju Samson Makes Comeback
Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has also returned to the T20I squad. He joins Ishan Kishan as India’s two wicketkeeping options for the series.
Samson’s inclusion will add further competition for places in India’s batting lineup, particularly as the selectors continue to assess combinations ahead of future international assignments.
Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also retained his place in the squad after impressing during India’s recent T20 engagements.
Hardik Pandya Misses Out
All-rounder Hardik Pandya is the most prominent omission from the squad. His absence comes after a recent leg injury setback during his comeback preparations.
Pandya’s fitness has been closely monitored, and the latest setback has prevented him from being included in India’s Afghanistan T20I squad. His all-round ability has traditionally provided India with an important balance between batting and bowling, making his absence significant.
Full India Squad For Afghanistan T20Is
India’s 15-member squad is:
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
- Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain)
- Shivam Dube
- Nitish Kumar Reddy*
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar*
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Jasprit Bumrah*
- Arshdeep Singh
- Harshit Rana*
* Subject to fitness clearance.
India vs Afghanistan T20I Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | September 13, 2026 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| 2nd T20I | September 15, 2026 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| 3rd T20I | September 17, 2026 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
All three matches will be played in New Delhi.
What The Selection Means For India
The squad reflects a combination of established performers and emerging talent. Bumrah’s possible return strengthens the bowling attack, while Samson gives the team another experienced wicketkeeping-batting option.
At the same time, Pandya’s absence leaves India without one of its most versatile all-rounders. The selectors will therefore have to carefully balance the playing XI with players such as Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.
The inclusion of Sooryavanshi also highlights India’s willingness to continue investing in young talent at the international level.
With Afghanistan led by Ibrahim Zadran and the series taking place entirely in Delhi, the three T20Is are expected to provide an important opportunity for India to test its combinations and player depth.
Conclusion
India’s Afghanistan T20I squad has generated considerable interest, particularly because of the returns of Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson and the continued absence of Hardik Pandya.
The three-match series, beginning September 13, will give India an opportunity to assess its T20 options while keeping a close eye on the fitness of Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana.
