Cricket
oi-Ashish Rana
India have opted for a blend of experience and youth for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with Jasprit Bumrah returning to the squad and Hardik Pandya once again missing from the team. Shreyas Iyer will continue as captain, while Tilak Varma has been named his deputy. The 15-member squad also includes teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who impressed during India’s recent T20I series against Zimbabwe.
India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series welcomes back Jasprit Bumrah (subject to fitness) and retains captain Shreyas Iyer, while Hardik Pandya remains unavailable due to injury. The three-match series against Afghanistan is scheduled for September 13-17 in New Delhi, featuring Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his recent performances.
Jasprit Bumrah Back, But Fitness Clearance Needed
Bumrah’s return is the biggest development from the selection meeting. The premier fast bowler has been included despite recent injury concerns, but the BCCI has made his participation subject to fitness clearance.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana are also in the same category. If cleared, Bumrah will spearhead a pace attack that also includes Arshdeep Singh and Rana.
The squad marks a return for Sanju Samson as well. He joins Ishan Kishan as India’s two wicketkeeping options.
Hardik Pandya’s Comeback Delayed Again
Pandya’s absence is another major talking point. The all-rounder had been working towards a return at the BCCI Centre of Excellence but suffered a late leg niggle while bowling.
The setback forced him to pause bowling and has delayed his return to competitive cricket. Pandya has not played since representing Mumbai Indians in the IPL on May 24.
His absence leaves Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Reddy and Washington as India’s principal all-round options.
Sooryavanshi Retained After Zimbabwe Success
India have continued to back Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his encouraging performances against Zimbabwe. The young batter scored two half-centuries during the July series and has retained his place in the senior setup.
The selectors have also recalled several regulars who were rested or left out for Zimbabwe, including Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar and Arshdeep Singh. Rinku Singh and several other players from the Zimbabwe squad have not been retained.
India vs Afghanistan T20I Series Schedule
The three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17. Afghanistan will officially be the home side, although the series is being hosted in India as part of their established arrangement for home fixtures.
The series follows Afghanistan’s recent tour of India in June, when the teams played a Test and three ODIs. It also comes ahead of the Asian Games, making the T20Is an important opportunity for India’s players to establish their positions in the squad.
India squad: 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*.
*Subject to fitness clearance.
