The squad for India's upcoming three-match T20 series against Afghanistan has been announced. All-rounder Krunal Pandya expressed significant disappointment over his exclusion from the list.
As soon as the BCCI announced the squad, Krunal shared his feelings on social media. He posted a short but profound message expressing his emotions, noting that hope remains alive.
Krunal last played for India in 2021 and has consistently tried to return to the team since then. Recently, he demonstrated outstanding performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026, taking 14 wickets. His form led many to expect an invitation this time, but the selectors did not believe in his potential.
In this series, besides Krunal, his younger brother Hardik Pandya will also not be playing. He is out of the team due to a minor leg injury. Good news for Indian fans is that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has returned to the squad.
However, the participation of Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy will depend on their physical fitness. All these players have recently faced injuries, so they need to undergo a medical check-up before taking the field.
The three T20 matches between India and Afghanistan will be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The matches are scheduled for September 13, 15, and 17. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain for this series.
The Indian squad for the T20 series against Afghanistan includes Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma (vice-captain), Shivam Dubey, Nitish Kumar Reddy*, Akshar Patel, Washington Sundar*, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah*, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana*.
(Note: Players marked with an asterisk will play subject to fitness clearance)