The India vs Afghanistan T20I series is here and there is plenty to look forward to. India and Afghanistan will play a three-match T20I series beginning on September 13. All three games will be held in Delhi. Therefore the first T20I will be followed by the third matches at the same venue on September 15 and 17.
There is a mix on both sides. India has a batting group and many bowling options. For instance, Afghanistan has some of the veteran T20 players like Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi and Naveen-ul-Haq. India also has players, like Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah. Cricways is a haven for cricket enthusiasts interested in staying up to date with cricket news, commentary and match updates for fans who want to follow the series.
India Vs Afghanistan T20I Series Schedule
The India Afghanistan series will run from September 13 to September 17 2026.
- 1st T20I: September 13. Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, Delhi
- 2nd T20I: September 15. Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, Delhi
- 3rd T20I: September 17. Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, Delhi
Afghanistan are officially the host team for the series even though all three matches will be played in India. This arrangement is part of Afghanistan’s Future Tours Programme, with the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium chosen as the venue for the series.
So there is no travelling between cities for either team. Both squads can settle into Delhi. Focus on cricket.
India T20I Squad
| Role | Players |
| Captain | Shreyas Iyer |
| Vice-Captain | Tilak Varma |
| Batters | Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma |
| All-Rounders | Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar |
| Bowlers | Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana |
There has been some attention around fitness before the series. Washington Sundar has been cleared to play while Nitish Kumar Reddy has also cleared his fitness test and is expected to be available. Jasprit Bumrah’s availability has been subject to fitness clearance while Harshit Rana has remained a concern because of his hamstring issue.
That could make India’s final playing XI one of the talking points before the first T20I.
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Afghanistan T20I Squad
Afghanistan have named a strong squad of their own with Ibrahim Zadran taking charge as full-time T20I captain. This series is his assignment as Afghanistan’s permanent T20I skipper.
The squad includes:
Ibrahim Zadran (captain) Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Noor Rahman, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Naveen-ul-Haq.
Naveen-ul-Haq’s return is another talking point. The pacer has come back after recovering from a shoulder injury giving Afghanistan another option with the ball.
Then there is Rashid Khan. He may no longer be leading the side but his role remains massive. Afghanistan have a deep spin group around him including Noor Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti.
Arun Jaitley Stadium Could Play A Role
The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is not exactly an unfamiliar ground for Indian cricket fans. It will host all three matches giving the series a setting from start to finish.
Pitch conditions could become especially interesting in T20 cricket. Batters will want to get a start while spinners could have a major role as the innings develops. Both teams have plenty of spin options. The middle overs could be where the game starts to move one way or another.
For India having bowling choices gives the captain room to change plans depending on the conditions. Afghanistan can answer that with their group of quality spinners.
Matchup: Abhishek Sharma Vs Afghanistan Spin
Abhishek Sharma is one of the players India can use to attack from the start. His aggressive batting can put pressure on the bowling side during the powerplay.
Afghanistan though have no shortage of spin. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad can both create problems when batters try to attack them.
This makes the early overs an interesting battle. If Abhishek gets going India can build momentum quickly. If Afghanistan’s spinners settle into a rhythm they can slow down the scoring rate and force India to change their approach.
Matchup: Rashid Khan Vs India’s Middle Order
This is probably the matchup that will catch most eyes.
Rashid has spent years bowling against some of the T20 batters around the world. India have plenty of players who’re comfortable against spin but facing Rashid in the middle overs is still a different challenge.
Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube could all have a role here. They will need to find a way to score without giving Rashid chances.
For Afghanistan getting Rashid into the game at the time could be crucial.
Matchup: Rahmanullah Gurbaz Vs India’s Pace Attack
Gurbaz is another player who can change a T20 match quickly. He likes to attack. Can put pressure on bowlers before they have settled.
India’s pace group could give him a test. Arshdeep Singh is capable of making an impact with the ball while Bumrah’s availability could add another major weapon to India’s attack.
If Bumrah is cleared to play his battle with Gurbaz would be one to watch closely. If he is unavailable India will have to find another way to control Afghanistan’s opening batting.
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Batting Depth Could Decide The Series
Both sides have plenty of batting options. They go about it differently.
India’s squad has players who can change the pace of an innings. Abhishek Sharma can attack early while Iyer and Tilak can provide stability in the middle. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan also give India wicketkeeping and batting choices.
Afghanistan have Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli among their batting options. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi add all-round ability lower down the order.
That means neither team can afford to relax after getting one or two wickets. There is depth on both sides to keep the innings moving.
What Could Decide The T20I?
The first T20I could come down to three things: the powerplay, the middle-over spin battle and how well each team handles pressure at the end.
India have the advantage of playing in surroundings while Afghanistan have a squad that knows how to play T20 cricket in different conditions.
The toss may also matter. Captains will have to judge the pitch and decide whether they want to put runs on the board or chase.
India will probably want their order to set the tone early. Afghanistan meanwhile will hope their spinners can keep Indias scoring under control and give their batters something to chase.
India Vs Afghanistan T20I: What Fans Should Watch
There are plenty of individual battles to follow. The bigger story is the contrast between the two teams.
India have a younger-looking T20 setup mixed with names. Afghanistan have built a side around players who have spent years playing high-level T20 cricket around the world.
The India vs Afghanistan T20I series also gives some players a chance to make a case for regular selection. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s inclusion is particularly interesting while players returning from fitness issues will also have plenty of attention on them.
The series begins on September 13. There is not much time left before we get our first proper look at both teams.
For cricket updates match-focused stories and more coverage around major cricket events fans can also check out Cricways. The India-Afghanistan contest has all the ingredients for a T20 series and the first match should give us a good idea of how both teams plan to approach the games that follow.
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Final Thoughts
The India Afghanistan series is more than another three-match T20I contest. India are looking to put up a strong performance with a squad that has plenty of options while Afghanistan will want their new T20I captain Ibrahim Zadran to start his full-time stint with a strong showing.
With Rashid Khan, Gurbaz, Bumrah, Iyer, Abhishek and several other quality players involved there should be plenty of battles to keep an eye on.
And with every match being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi the teams will have little excuse for not knowing what to expect from the conditions. The first ball, on September 13 should tell us a lot.
FAQs About India Vs Afghanistan T20I
What Should Fans Watch In The India Vs Afghanistan T20I?
Fans should watch closely for a few moments. Rashid Khan facing India’s order is one. Rahmanullah Gurbaz standing up to the pacers is another. Both could make a difference in the game.
Will All Three Matches Be Played In Delhi?
All three matches will be played in Delhi. The entire India Afghanistan series takes place at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium. Therefore neither India nor Afghanistan will have to travel to another city between games.
Can Afghanistan Put Pressure On India?
They certainly can. Afghanistan has players who have played a lot of T20 cricket around the world. Their spin attack, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad could make life difficult for India’s batters.
Who Could Be A Player For India?
Abhishek Sharma is a name to watch. He likes to take on the bowlers and can score quickly when things go his way. It will be interesting to see how Afghanistan deal with him.
What Could Make The Series Close?
The middle overs could be the key. Both teams have good spin options and the side that handles that phase better could gain the hand. A few overs can change a T20 game quickly.
