Predicted Playing XI of India in Quarter Final 2 of Asian Games 2026 against Afghanistan

India will begin their men’s cricket campaign at the Asian Games 2026 when they face Afghanistan in Quarter Final 2 at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, on Monday, September 28. The contest is scheduled to be played in the T20 format, with the match set to begin at around 10:00 AM IST. India, the defending champions, received a direct entry into the quarter-finals and will face an Afghanistan side that finished second in Group A.

Led by Shreyas Iyer, India have assembled a strong squad featuring several established T20I players. The squad has undergone a few changes in the build-up to the tournament. Harshit Rana was ruled out through injury and replaced by Yash Thakur, while Varun Chakaravarthy was also ruled out with a side strain and replaced by Vipraj Nigam. Nitish Kumar Reddy was subsequently withdrawn from the Asian Games squad to join India’s ODI setup for the West Indies series.

Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, is available for the campaign after receiving fitness clearance and could return to the XI after being rested for India’s warm-up T20I against Japan.

Here is India’s predicted playing XI for Quarter Final 2 against Afghanistan:

1. Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma is expected to open the innings and provide India with an attacking option during the powerplay. The left-hander has established himself as one of India’s most aggressive T20 batters and can put pressure on the opposition from the outset.

Against Afghanistan’s pace and spin combination, Abhishek’s ability to attack in the powerplay could be important. His left-handed approach also gives India a different angle at the top.

2. Sanju Samson (WK)

Sanju Samson is likely to partner Abhishek at the top while taking responsibility behind the stumps.

The wicketkeeper-batter brings considerable T20 experience and can switch between anchoring an innings and accelerating rapidly. Against Afghanistan’s spinners, his ability to use his feet and target the boundaries could become an important factor.

3. Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan could slot in at No. 3, providing India with another left-handed batter. His inclusion would give the team considerable depth in the top order while allowing the side to maintain an attacking approach.

Ishan is also an alternative wicketkeeping option, although Samson is expected to retain the gloves. His ability to attack spin could make him particularly useful in the middle overs.

4. Shreyas Iyer (C)

Captain Shreyas Iyer is expected to bat at No. 4. His leadership will be central to India’s campaign, particularly because this is the first competitive match of their Asian Games campaign.

Iyer has plenty of experience in handling pressure in T20 cricket and will be expected to provide stability after the aggressive start from India’s top order. His ability to play spin through the middle overs could also prove valuable against Afghanistan.

5. Tilak Varma (VC)

Tilak Varma should occupy the No. 5 position and serve as India’s vice-captain.

The left-hander has developed into an important middle-order option for India in T20 cricket. His ability to rotate the strike before launching an attack makes him well suited to the No. 5 role.

Tilak could also be required to accelerate if India have wickets in hand during the final five overs.

6. Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube is likely to feature as the team’s power-hitting all-rounder. His ability to clear the boundary against spin makes him a potentially important player in the middle and death overs.

Dube also provides an additional seam-bowling option, giving Iyer greater flexibility if the conditions or match situation demand another bowler.

7. Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar is expected to play a key role as an all-rounder. He offers India reliable off-spin and can contribute valuable runs down the order.

With Afghanistan likely to rely heavily on their spin resources, Washington’s ability to bowl economically could help India control the middle overs. His batting also gives the lineup additional depth.

8. Axar Patel

Axar Patel should partner Washington as another spin-bowling all-rounder.

The left-arm spinner can be particularly difficult to attack in T20 cricket because of his accuracy and variations in pace. He can also contribute with the bat, making him a valuable No. 8 option.

Axar’s ability to bowl four overs while also providing lower-order runs could give India excellent balance.

9. Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi is likely to be India’s specialist spinner. His variations and quick deliveries through the air make him a wicket-taking option during the middle overs.

Against Afghanistan’s experienced middle order, Bishnoi could be used aggressively by Iyer to break partnerships and prevent the opposition from building momentum.

10. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh is expected to lead India’s pace attack alongside Bumrah. His left-arm angle gives the bowling unit variety and allows India to attack from different angles.

Arshdeep’s ability to swing the new ball and bowl effectively at the death makes him one of India’s key options across different phases of the innings.

11. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah could return to the playing XI for the quarter-final after being rested against Japan. His availability gives India a major option with the new ball as well as at the death.

Bumrah’s accuracy and variations could be particularly important against Afghanistan’s dangerous hitters. His experience in high-pressure T20 matches also makes him a natural choice for a knockout fixture.

Predicted Playing XI of India

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer ©, Tilak Varma (VC), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah

The final XI will be confirmed at the toss, but India are likely to rely on this experienced combination as they begin their title defence against Afghanistan.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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