Cricket
oh-Gaurav Sharma
India begins preparations for the Asian Games when they take on Afghanistan in a three-game T20I series in New Delhi on Sunday.
In the unusual series, Afghanistan is listed as the host although all games are played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
India begins preparations for the Asian Games against Afghanistan in the T20I series in New Delhi on September 13, 2026 as Jasprit Bumrah returns to India and Afghanistan aim for their first T20I win against the Men in Blue at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
This means that visitors get the opportunity to spend the coming days in New Delhi.
For India, the series is an important preparation for the Asian Games while Afghanistan are hoping to secure their first T20I win against the Men in Blue.
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Pre-match talking points
Afghanistan are the hosts of the match in New Delhi
All three matches were designated as Afghanistan home matches despite being played in the Indian capital.
Afghanistan Captain Ibrahim Zadran said the guests did not make any special requests to the curator.
In any case, they had the advantage of studying in New Delhi.
India in Asian Games plans
The series is India’s last bilateral T20I assignment before the Asian Games in Japan.
The competition will begin on September 19 and the cricket tournament will have added significance as gold medalists will qualify for the 2028 Olympics.
Therefore, India picked a strong team instead of resting a few key players.
Headache of choice at the top
India captain Shreyas Iyer has an interesting problem with three attacking options at the top of the order – Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sanju Samson.
Samson returned from his tour of Zimbabwe and teenage batter Suoryavanshi impressed with his performances. Abhishek remains another seasoned campaigner.
Iyer admitted it was a “luxury” to have all three available, but managing the players who miss the game will be important.
Ishan Kishan’s fitness may affect the squad
Ishan Kishan suffered a back sprain during training, casting doubt on his participation.
If he fails to keep an eye on the wickets, Sanju Samson could become the wicket-keeper. Thus, his fitness could determine both his batting combination and wicket-keeping strategy.
Jasprit Bumrah returns
One of the biggest positives for India is the return of Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah, along with Arshdeep Singh, is expected to lead the pace attack as they prepare for the Asian Games and look to improve their consistency in T20Is.
A universal combination has not yet been determined
India have several options despite Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana being unavailable.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are competing. The way Nitish can play with both bat and ball could make him a handy addition to India’s preferred combination.
While the specialist spinner’s spot could be contested by Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy is expected to return from an injury layoff.
Afghanistan wants to end India’s unbeaten streak
Afghanistan have never beaten India in a T20I, but Ibrahim Zadran’s side believe the series represents a real opportunity.
Afghanistan have a strong team including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Naveen-ul-Haq, with Gulbadin Naib returning from an injury layoff.
Zadran acknowledged India’s dominance but said they would try to implement their plans without getting carried away.
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Match Details
- Match: India vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I
- Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.
- Drop: 6:30 pm EST.
- Match: 7:00 pm EST.
- TV: Sony Sports
- Streaming: Fancode
- Series: Three-match T20I series
Probable India XI
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (capt), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jaspreet Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy
Probable Afghanistan XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Gulbadin Naib, Sedikullah Atal, Darwish Rasouli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq
With India searching for the right combination ahead of the Asian Games and Afghanistan chasing their first T20I win against the Men in Blue, the first match promises an intriguing contest in New Delhi.
