T20 cricket never stops. There is always a series happening somewhere. This week is no different.
The biggest storyline is the three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan. Afghanistan are hosting India. But all the matches are being played in India. That is not a typo. Afghanistan are the nominal hosts, but the venue is the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
For Afghanistan, this is a historic moment. They are hosting one of the biggest teams in world cricket. For India, this is a chance to build momentum before the Asian Games. The series runs from September 13 to 17.
Here is everything you need to know about the T20 cricket happening this week.
India vs Afghanistan T20I Series: Schedule and Venue
The series schedule has been confirmed. All matches start at 7:00 PM IST.
The first T20I is on September 13. The second is on September 15. The third is on September 17. All three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
This is the first time Afghanistan are hosting India in a bilateral T20I series. The matches were originally scheduled to be played in Afghanistan. But security concerns forced a venue change. India agreed to host the series.
Also Read: India vs Afghanistan T20I: Squad, Venue and Key Matchups – Cricket Focus
India Squad: Injury Concerns and Key Players
India named a 15-member squad for the series. Shreyas Iyer will captain the side. Tilak Varma is the vice-captain.
The squad includes Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana.
There are injury concerns. Harshit Rana is yet to fully recover from a hamstring injury. He may miss the series. Jasprit Bumrah is returning from a left knee injury. He has been out since India’s tour of England in July. His return is on track, but the team management will be cautious. Nitish Kumar Reddy is recovering from a quadriceps injury. He has received fitness clearance. Washington Sundar has recovered from a hamstring injury and is fit for the series.
The key players to watch are Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishan. Sooryavanshi was India’s leading run-scorer in Zimbabwe. He scored 151 runs at a strike rate of 196.10. Kishan remains one of the best T20I batters in the world. His recent performances have been excellent.
Afghanistan Squad: Spin Attack Ready
Afghanistan will be led by Ibrahim Zadran. This is his first series as full-time T20I captain.
The squad includes Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Noor Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar.
The spin attack is Afghanistan’s biggest strength. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad form a formidable quartet. They can trouble any batting lineup. On Delhi’s flat pitch, they will need to be at their best.
Naveen-ul-Haq returns to the squad after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder. His pace and death bowling will be crucial.
Aslo Check: Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Teams, Fixtures and Players to Watch – Cricket Focus
ICC T20I Rankings: Big Movers This Week
The latest ICC T20I rankings were released on September 9, 2026. There were some big movers.
South Africa’s Connor Esterhuizen climbed 65 places to 25th. He scored 126 runs in the tri-series in Namibia. His 40-ball 88 against Namibia was a standout performance. It was one of the best innings of the week.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, another South African, jumped 61 places to 43rd. He scored 226 runs in the tri-series at an average of 56.50 and a strike rate of 179.37. Those are impressive numbers.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was demoted by two places to 49th. He has a chance to climb back up in the Afghanistan series. A strong performance could push him back into the top 40.
Players in Form: Who to Watch
Ishan Kishan (India): He remains one of the best T20I batters in the world. His ability to score quickly in the powerplay makes him dangerous. He will be key for India at the top of the order.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (India): The 15-year-old sensation. He scored 151 runs in Zimbabwe at a strike rate of 196.10. He hits boundaries for fun. Afghanistan’s spinners will target him early. His response will tell us a lot about his temperament.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): The best T20 spinner in the world. His googly and variations make him difficult to face. On Delhi’s flat pitch, he will need to be at his best. But he is always a threat.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): Afghanistan’s most explosive batsman. His aggressive style at the top of the order can put any bowling attack under pressure. If he gets going, Afghanistan can post a big total.
Jasprit Bumrah (India): His return is a huge boost for India. His accuracy and variations in the death overs can restrict Afghanistan’s scoring. If he is fully fit, Afghanistan’s top order will have a tough time.
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Where to Watch
Sony Sports Network has the exclusive television broadcast rights for the India vs Afghanistan series. Live streaming will be available on FanCode.
– Television: Sony Sports Network
– Streaming: FanCode
– Match Time: 7:00 PM IST
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