AFG vs IND 2026: Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not playing in the 1st T20I?

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

A shocker update came from the centre wicket as the Indian captain, Shreyas Iyer, announced Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been benched for the first T20I between Afghanistan and India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on Sunday, September 13.

AFG vs IND, 1st T20I: Toss Update

The toss went in favour of the Indian team, the visiting side, and Iyer reiterated the decision to bowl first for the series opener on a decent Kotla deck. While the back-from-injury Washington Sundar failed to make it to the final XI, dropping Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the Player of the Series in India’s last T20I series, is a news that came as a shock to many.

AFG vs IND, 1st T20I: Why is Sooryavanshi benched by Shreyas Iyer?

The Indian skipper confirmed at the toss that they have gone with the likes of Sanju Samson as their preferred opener over the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi. The move seems to be aimed at picking the experience and skill set over youth in an all-important series amid India’s recent struggles in the shortest format of the game. Yash Thakur and Ravi Bishnoi have also been rested.

AFG vs IND, 1st T20I: Playing XIs

Afghanistan

Ibrahim Zadran(c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

India

Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

AFG vs IND, 1st T20I: What did the captains say?

Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan Captain said,

“We would have bowled first too. So we will think about batting and look to put up a good total. It is a grwat feeling to host India in India. We are trying to have a good series against them. We have got lots of support from our friends, and hopefully they come and give us the energy. Naveen is not playing, we will think about him in the next games.”

Shreyas Iyer, India Captain, said,

“We’re going to bowl first, which is what generally happens in T20 cricket. I mean, when you have played in Delhi, you know what the pitch has got to offer and we’ve played quite a bit of matches over here. So based on that and looking at the conditions, that’s really both.”

“[On his first ten matches as India captain] It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but if you see the previous series which we played against Zimbabwe, there were a lot of positives and the boys were optimistic in their approach. So that’s the attitude we got to carry in this series as well.”

“[On Jasprit Bumrah being available and playing under his captaincy for the first time] Yes, certainly. I think it’s a luxury to have him in the squad because he’s immensely experienced and he carries a lot of great attitude when it comes to winning matches. So we know he’s a match-winner and we know what he’s got to offer.”

“[On managing team combinations and selecting players for the match] That is more difficult, I feel, but I would say if Vaibhav (Sooryavanshi) is not playing, then Washington (Sundar) is not playing and there are two more which you’ll get to know.”

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.