India have unveiled a strong squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah making their returns to the format. Shreyas Iyer will captain the side, while several established names have been brought back after being rested for the Zimbabwe tour.
India are set to field a near full-strength squad for the Afghanistan series, signalling a clear focus on assembling their best possible combination. The three matches will be played at New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17.
Jasprit Bumrah returns to T20I setup
The biggest headline from the squad announcement is the return of Bumrah. The premier fast bowler last featured in a T20I during the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in March. His comeback adds considerable experience and firepower to an Indian bowling attack that already features Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana. Rana, however, will need to clear a fitness assessment before being available for selection.
Bumrah’s presence could be particularly important as India look to strengthen their pace-bowling options and establish a settled attack ahead of their upcoming T20 commitments.
Sanju Samson back after missing Zimbabwe tour
Samson has also been recalled after missing India’s T20I assignment in Zimbabwe. The Kerala batter has been named as one of two wicketkeeping options, alongside Ishan Kishan. Samson’s return gives India another experienced top-order batting option and provides the team management with greater flexibility when deciding its playing XI.
He is among eight changes from the squad that travelled to Zimbabwe. Rinku Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Harsh Dubey, Prabhsimran Singh, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Mayank Yadav and Ashok Sharma have all been left out for the Afghanistan series.
Also READ: No MS Dhoni! Cheteshwar Pujara reveals his all-time India teammates XI
Fitness could decide availability
India have included a couple of players whose participation remains dependent on fitness. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have both been selected subject to clearance. That could leave the team management with some decisions to make before the opening game, especially when balancing all-round options with the bowling combination.
The squad also includes young batting prospect Vaibhav Suryavanshi, while Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube add plenty of variety to the middle and top order.
India’s squad for Afghanistan T20Is: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma (vc), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar*, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah*, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana*
*Subject to fitness clearance
Also READ: Not Virat Kohli! Suryakumar Yadav picks the best captain he played under
