Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 2: India have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Sanju Samson has returned to the squad after being left out of the Zimbabwe tour, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya misses the series again after reportedly suffering another injury.
Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana have been included in the squad but remain subject to fitness. With the Asian Games approaching and an away series against New Zealand also on the horizon, the team management could be cautious about fielding them.
Spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has also returned to the squad after being rested for the series against Ireland, England and Zimbabwe. The Chennai-born spinner is expected to feature in the playing XI, while Ravi Bishnoi could face competition after failing to make a significant impact in the wicket-taking department against Zimbabwe.
Samson’s return has intensified competition in the batting lineup. Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are likely to open, with Ishan Kishan being considered at No. 3. However, the players will face pressure to perform with Samson back in contention.
Shreyas Iyer is expected to bat at No. 4, followed by vice-captain Tilak Varma at No. 5. Tilak will be one of the players under scrutiny after an inconsistent run against Ireland and England. A poor outing against Afghanistan could put his place under pressure, with Samson and Nitish Kumar Reddy providing alternatives in the middle order.
Shivam Dube and Axar Patel are likely to occupy the sixth and seventh spots, while a decision on Washington Sundar could depend on the conditions.
India squad for Afghanistan T20I series: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 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.