The T20I series between India and Afghanistan kicks off on September 13th at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The remaining matches are scheduled for September 15th and 17th at the same venue. The coin toss ceremony will take place at 7:00 PM, with the game starting half an hour later, at 7:30 PM.
Shreyas Iyer captains the Indian team, aiming to continue the team's winning streak in the T20 format. However, before taking the field against Afghanistan, Captain Shreyas faces several important decisions regarding the squad selection. The most pressing issues concern the combination of batter-bowler and the choice of openers.
Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was absent from the three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe in July. He has now returned to the team and is expected to feature in the starting lineup against Afghanistan. His return is particularly significant as he demonstrated outstanding play for India in T20 Internationals in 2026. This year, he has scored 400 runs in 14 matches, maintaining an average of 30.76 and a strike rate of 180.99, while also recording three half-centuries.
Overall, in 66 T20 International matches for India, Sanju has accumulated 1432 runs, with an average of 27.01 and a strike rate of 155.99. During this period, he has scored three centuries and six half-centuries. It is worth noting that this year, Sanju was named the 'Player of the Series' in the team that won the T20 World Cup for India.
Another interesting aspect of the squad formation involves Vaibhab Suryavanshi, who is 15 years old. He won the 'Player of the Series' title in the series against Zimbabwe, scoring two half-centuries as an opener, and continues to strengthen his position in this role. Thus, despite Sanju's return, his participation is likely to be secured. Consequently, the question arises: who will partner Vaibhab at the start of the innings?
The series against Zimbabwe did not go well for former number one T20 International batter Abhishek Sharma, who managed to score only 11 runs across three matches. The 2026 season also failed to meet expectations: in 23 matches, he scored 514 runs, but was dismissed for zero six times. Although his strike rate of 185.55 is impressive, doubts arise due to the lack of consistently large scores. If Abhishek does not play in the first T20 against Afghanistan, the option of bringing Sanju in at the top order could become strong again. However, it is possible that Vaibhab and Abhishek open the match, with Sanju batting at number three.
Ishan Kishan appears to be in good form and could occupy the fourth spot in the squad. Ishan showcased his form in the Leap Trophy 2026 final, scoring a record 350 runs against the Southern region. This is why he might retain his place as the preferred wicketkeeper. India has the option to field both players simultaneously.
In the middle order, Captain Shreyas Iyer and Vice-Captain Tilak Verma are in good form. Their performances are a big plus for the team, and there are no expected long debates about their places in the first match against Afghanistan. The main difficulty lies in selecting players for the lower-middle order and all-rounders.
The toughest decision for the team management might involve Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dubey. Instead of fielding both together, the team might select one based on squad balance. If India requires greater attacking depth, Shivam Dubey's experience and powerful hitting could be useful. On the other hand, Nitish Kumar Reddy offers the team an option combining fast bowling and attack. Therefore, the final decision on this spot will depend on the pitch conditions and the team management's plan.
Attention is also focused on Jasprit Bumrah's physical condition. His fitness will be tested in this series, and he may play his first T20 International match under Shreyas Iyer's leadership. His batting partners in the attack will be Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy. Axar Patel will also play an important role in balancing the team.
Projected Indian Squad Against Afghanistan: Vaibhab Suryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy/Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy.
India's T20I Squad Against Afghanistan: Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhab Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma (Vice-Captain), Shivam Dubey, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Yash Thakur.
Afghanistan's T20I Squad Against India: Ibrahim Jadaran (Captain), Abdullah Ahmedzai, Ajmatullah Umrazai, Darwish Rasooli, Fazal.
