India’s predicted playing XI for T20Is vs Afghanistan

Team India (Photo Source: BCCI/X)

The BCCI announced India’s 15-member T20I squad for the Afghanistan series on September 1, 2026, setting the stage for three matches beginning September 13 at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Shreyas Iyer continues as captain with Tilak Varma retained as vice-captain, providing continuity in leadership as India prepares for the home series. This is going to be the first time Afghanistan will be hosting India in a three-match series.

Top order: Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (WK)

Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishan are predicted to form India’s top order. Abhishek will be under pressure after an underwhelming year in T20Is, particularly with Sanju Samson returning to the squad. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will look to build on his stellar performance in Zimbabwe, where he impressed during the July series.

Middle order: Shreyas Iyer (C), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel

Shreyas Iyer anchors the middle order as captain, supported by Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel. This combination provides both stability and aggressive batting options in the middle phases of the innings. The last three names are all-rounders who will give considerable flexibility and balance to the Indian line-up against the Afghans.

Nitish has been out of action for quite some time due to injury. He will look to make the most of his opportunities, while Hardik Pandya recovers on the sidelines.

Bowlers: Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah

The bowling unit features Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Bumrah returns to T20I cricket after last playing in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in March. Multiple players, including Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana, remain subject to medical clearance ahead of the series.

India’s predicted playing XI for the Afghanistan T20Is: Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah.

Also Read – AFG vs IND 2026: Schedule, Squads, Live Streaming, Broadcasters & All you need to know

The first match takes place on September 13 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Fans can expect high-scoring encounters at the venue, as the pitches are flat at the venue and the boundaries are on the smaller side.