IND vs AFG: 3 Indian players who could be dropped after the series

IND vs AFG: 3 Indian players who could be dropped after the series (Photo Source: BCCI)

India completed a 3-0 whitewash against Afghanistan in the T20I series, with the final match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi on September 17, 2026 ending in a 127-run victory. All three matches were played in New Delhi on September 13, 15, and 17.

The Afghanistan series was India’s final T20I assignment before the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where the men’s cricket competition begins on September 24. India had also beaten Zimbabwe 3-0 in T20Is before this series, making it a strong run of results. However, not every player in the 15-member squad made a convincing case for their place going forward.

Here are 3 Indian players who could be dropped or rested after the Afghanistan series:

3. Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube was part of India’s 15-member squad for the Afghanistan T20I series, but was unable to make a significant impact. He batted at No. 7 in the third T20I playing XI, scoring 14 runs before being dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai, with Rashid Khan taking the catch at long-on in the 16th over.

Dube’s contributions across the series were described as lacklustre with bat, ball, and in the field. His form in this 2026 series was a significant step down from his baseline level, which poses concerns over his future in the side. With all-rounders such as Nitish Kumar Reddy also in the squad, selectors may look to use Dube’s spot more productively.

2. Yash Thakur

Yash Thakur was drafted into the India squad for the series as an injury replacement for Harshit Rana, and featured in the third T20I of the series, picking up figures of 1 for 17 in two overs. The Vidarbha seamer could be dispensable in the future due to his status as an injury replacement and his spot in the pecking order for India.

With the expected returns of seam bowlers like Rana and Prince Yadav, Thakur could find it an uphill battle to return to the side once the pace battery is fully fit and firing. Thakur would be looking to hone his skills further in the domestic game to improve his standing as a potential all-format contender.

1. Jasprit Bumrah

India’s ace pacer has been rested from the T20I series against the West Indies, which follows the Asian Games. Jasprit Bumrah has been an X-factor for India across formats, and made his return to action after a two-month injury layoff with a knee issue. He was able to play all of the matches against Afghanistan and put in respectable performances in all three games.

With India’s calendar in the next year posing important clashes away in New Zealand, an upcoming home series against Australia, and the looming cloud of the 2027 ODI World Cup, the management could find it beneficial to rest Bumrah in the shortest format for the foreseeable future.

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.