India yet to name squad for Afghanistan T20Is as fitness questions linger
India's squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, scheduled to start on September 13 with matches on September 15 and 17, had not been announced by the BCCI as of September 1, 2026. Afghanistan, meanwhile, have already named a 15-member side led by Ibrahim Zadran, who was recently appointed as Afghanistan’s full-time T20I skipper.
The build-up to the series has drawn attention as India’s management weighs fitness and squad balance ahead of the short-format assignment. The series represents an opportunity for several players to return to T20 internationals while the management aims to establish a longer-term combination. With the schedule confirmed, selection has become the focus, but uncertainty around Ajit Agarkar’s tenure has added an element of doubt to the finalisation process.
Afghanistan’s 15-member squad for the New Delhi series has been announced in full, with Ibrahim Zadran named as captain following his recent appointment as the country’s full-time T20I skipper. The Afghan selection was confirmed ahead of India naming theirs, leaving the hosts to complete their selection while monitoring player fitness.
Indian selectors are expected to consider several players currently in rehabilitation when choosing the squad, with Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar among those waiting for clearance from the BCCI to make themselves available. Pandya reportedly picked up another niggle that has left him doubtful for the series. Sundar is being monitored closely and has yet to undergo his final set of assessments.
Selection takes on added weight after India’s recent series defeats to Ireland and England in the format, increasing the importance of finding a balanced T20I group. Reports indicate the final squad is likely to be split between the contingent bound for the Asian Games and the ODI group for the West Indies series that follow the Afghanistan T20Is. Shreyas Iyer is the player most likely to lead India in the matches against Afghanistan.
A selection meeting is expected to take place this week to finalise the playing group ahead of the September 13 opener, pending the outcomes of the medical assessments and fitness clearances for the players under rehabilitation.
