AFG vs IND 2026: 3 players India could have picked instead of Yash Thakur

Harshit Rana suffered a rectus femoris strain while bowling during a match simulation on September 7 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The BCCI confirmed his ruling out on September 10 and named Yash Thakur as his replacement for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and the 2026 Asian Games. The Vidarbha seamer has featured for India in two T20Is in Zimbabwe earlier in the year, taking four wickets.

However, Thakur is primarily a red-ball specialist from Vidarbha. He did make his T20I debut during India’s tour of Zimbabwe in July 2026, picking up 4 wickets across two games, though at an economy rate of 9.37. His overall T20 numbers across 76 matches show 114 wickets at an average of 18.75, yet fans have opined that several bowlers appeared to have a stronger case for this white-ball assignment.

Here are 3 players India could have picked over Yash Thakur:

3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The ever-experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a productive IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, finishing as the side’s top wicket-taker for the season. He has long been valued for his ability to move the ball with the new ball and for his discipline in the closing overs. He picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches, averaging 17.89 at an economy rate of 7.95.

In IPL 2026, he added the infamous wobble-ball to his repertoire, which proved difficult for batters to read and contributed significantly to his wicket tally. With the Afghanistan T20I series scheduled at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, from September 13 to 17, conditions that assist swing would suit Bhuvneshwar’s skill set. His experience in high-pressure T20I cricket and his recent form made him a credible candidate ahead of a bowler who has limited white-ball exposure at the international level.

2. Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar put together a profitable IPL 2026 season with Delhi Capitals, reinforcing his reputation as a dangerous new-ball operator with reliable variations at the death. He has also been part of the Indian T20I setup in recent cycles, giving him familiarity with the demands of international cricket at this level.

Adding to his case, Mukesh was the leading wicket-taker in the Duleep Trophy heading into this selection window, demonstrating that his bowling form was equally sharp. That combination of domestic red-ball productivity and white-ball experience in the IPL and T20I arena made him a well-rounded option that the selectors could have considered seriously over Thakur.

1. Prince Yadav

Prince Yadav was among the most eye-catching bowlers of IPL 2026, generating high pace and landing yorkers with notable accuracy throughout the tournament. He took 16 wickets in 14 matches and was one of the standout performers in an otherwise dismal Lucknow Super Giants side.

He has already represented India in white-ball cricket, giving selectors a direct reference point for how he performs at the international level. His pace and ability to take wickets in the powerplay, middle overs and at the death align well with what India need from a replacement quick in a short T20I series. Given that Rana’s absence was confirmed only days before the series opener on September 13, a bowler of Yadav’s proven white-ball credentials would have been a logical fit for the slot.

Disclaimer: This latest 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.