New Delhi: India and Afghanistan’s T20I series is set to begin today at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with the Shreyas Iyer-led side looking to put its best foot forward against Afghanistan.
Several first-choice players will return for India in this series. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, 33, will return to the T20I side for the first time since the World Cup final in March. He had been out of action with an injury since July. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Varun Chakaravarthy are also back after injury setbacks. However, having almost everyone available has only added to the selection challenge, with several spots still up for grabs.
Also read: #INDvsAFG: Why is India the ‘away’ team against Afghanistan in its own country? | Explained
Sanju Samson is returning to the squad after being dropped during the Zimbabwe tour, but India need to find the right combination at the top of the batting order. Will they go with the Abhishek Sharma-Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pairing, or bring Samson into the mix? "All three of them, having them in the team is a luxury first of all, and they are flawless in their own departments," captain Shreyas Iyer said on Saturday. "Well, it is going to be a tight call because they have been performing consistently. And see, whoever gets the opportunity, it's definitely for the team's benefit."
The Afghanistan series is an important opportunity for India to regain momentum in the shortest format. India endured a difficult run in the UK, losing both T20Is against Ireland before suffering a 5-0 series defeat against England. The team subsequently bounced back in Zimbabwe, completing a 3-0 T20I series sweep in July.
Also read: Afghanistan T20I: Who will open for India? Iyer addresses Samson-Abhishek-Sooryavanshi dilemma
After the Afghanistan series, India will head to the Asian Games, where they won the gold medal four years ago.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, are returning to T20I action for the first time since the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup in February. The Afghans played their last T20Is during the tournament in India but failed to progress to the Super 8 stage. Afghanistan's most recent T20I victory was against Canada on February 19.
Afghanistan are the official hosts of the series, but their players are familiar with Indian conditions. Captain Ibrahim Zadran has said his team knows what to expect and believes Afghanistan can compete with India, with many of their players having played extensively in the IPL.
Afghanistan also produced one of their biggest World Cup wins when they defeated England in Delhi during the 2023 ODI World Cup. “We have played enough cricket here in India. We know the conditions and how to adjust ourselves. We have played the T20 and ODI World Cups in India,” Zadran said.
India have enjoyed a dominant record against Afghanistan in T20Is, winning seven of their nine meetings. One of the remaining two matches was decided by net run rate, while the other ended in a tie.
Delhi police advisory
Delhi Traffic Police on Saturday issued a traffic advisory ahead of the first T20I between India and Afghanistan in New Delhi amid the ongoing BRICS summit in the city. In a post on X, Delhi Traffic Police said traffic restrictions, diversions and parking regulations would be in place in and around the Arun Jaitley Stadium from 2pm onwards on September 13.
"Spectators are requested to use only designated entry, parking and app-based taxi pick-up/drop-off points. For real-time traffic updates, follow the official social media handles of Delhi Traffic Police," the advisory said. Commuters were also urged to plan their journeys in advance and avoid unnecessary travel through the stadium area. Motorists were advised to follow traffic rules, diversion signs and directions from traffic personnel to avoid congestion.
IND vs AFG: Match details
How many matches will be played in the series?
The series will feature three matches, all taking place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Where can fans watch the match on television?
The India vs Afghanistan T20I series will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network in India.
Where to livestream IND vs AFG, 1st T20I?
The first T20I between India and Afghanistan will be available to livestream on the FanCode app and website.
