India’s Big Guns Return for Afghanistan T20I Series

India have named a near full-strength squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with several senior stars returning to the side. Shreyas Iyer will lead the team, while Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy are among the prominent names included in the squad.

The biggest talking point is the return of Bumrah, who last played a T20 international in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in March. However, his participation in the Afghanistan series will depend on receiving a fitness clearance. Bumrah’s availability will be closely monitored as India look to manage the workload of their premier fast bowler.

Sanju Samson has also earned a recall after missing the T20I series against Zimbabwe. The wicketkeeper-batter is one of two designated keepers in the squad, alongside Ishan Kishan. Samson’s inclusion adds experience and competition to India’s batting unit.

The Afghanistan series squad features eight changes from the group that travelled to Zimbabwe. Rinku Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Harsh Dubey, Prabhsimran Singh, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Mayank Yadav and Ashok Sharma have been left out.

India’s bowling attack has been significantly strengthened with the return of first-choice players. Along with Bumrah, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy have been selected. Harshit Rana has also been included, although his participation remains subject to fitness clearance.

Two other players, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, have been named in the squad but will also require fitness clearance before taking part in the series. Their availability could influence India’s balance, particularly in the all-round department.

The batting group includes exciting names such as Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube, while Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi provide additional spin options.

All three T20Is will be played in New Delhi. The matches are scheduled for September 13, September 15 and September 17. The series will offer India an opportunity to bring several key players back into international action while also testing the squad’s depth ahead of future challenges.

India’s 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*.