India prepares for Afghanistan T20Is as injured players near fitness returns
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 12:13 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
India is assessing the fitness of several key players ahead of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan scheduled to begin on September 13 in Delhi. All-rounders Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy are currently training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, while Washington Sundar is working toward final medical clearances this week. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah remains under close observation as he recovers from a knee injury; while his availability for the Afghanistan series remains uncertain, his participation in the upcoming Asian Games appears likely. Team management is also considering Krunal Pandya as a potential option for the left-arm spinner role following inconsistent performances from Axar Patel. The senior selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar is expected to finalize the squad later this week.
- •India faces Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series starting September 13 in Delhi.
- •Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar are nearing returns to fitness.
- •Jasprit Bumrah is targeting the Asian Games for his return to competitive play.
- •Krunal Pandya is under consideration to bolster the left-arm spin options.
- 12:13 PMESPNcricinfo — Bumrah back in India squad for Afghanistan T20Is
- 11:41 AMYahoo Sports — All-round boost for India ahead of Afghanistan T20Is; Jasprit Bumrah remains on track
"Washington Sundar is closing in on fitness approvals and could make a swift return to the team. Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery is on track, possibly allowing him to participate in the Asian Games. Additionally, Krunal Pandya is under consideration for the left-arm spinner role. Both Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also making individual progress.
"The fast bowler, along with Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, have been selected subject to fitness clearance
Sources
External links- ESPNcricinfoSep 1, 2026, 12:13 PMBumrah back in India squad for Afghanistan T20Is
The fast bowler, along with Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, have been selected subject to fitness clearance
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 11:41 AMAll-round boost for India ahead of Afghanistan T20Is; Jasprit Bumrah remains on track
Washington Sundar is closing in on fitness approvals and could make a swift return to the team. Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery is on track, possibly allowing him to participate in the Asian Games. Additionally, Krunal Pandya is under consideration for the left-arm spinner role. Both Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also making individual progress.
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