The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday, September 1, announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with Shreyas Iyer named captain and Tilak Varma appointed vice-captain.
The series will be played entirely in Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17.
Sanju Samson Returns to T20I Squad
Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has returned to the Indian T20I squad and is one of two wicketkeeping options alongside Ishan Kishan.
The batting group also includes Abhishek Sharma, teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma and captain Shreyas Iyer.
Bumrah Included Subject to Fitness
Premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been named in the squad, although his availability remains subject to fitness clearance.
BCCI has placed the same fitness condition on Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana.
The pace attack also features Arshdeep Singh, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi provide specialist spin options.
Hardik Pandya Left Out
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya does not feature in the 15-member squad.
The BCCI’s official announcement did not provide a reason for his omission. Reports, however, indicate that Hardik recently suffered a fresh leg niggle during his rehabilitation and was advised to pause bowling temporarily.
Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar provide India with multiple all-round options for the series.
India’s Full Squad
Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana are subject to fitness clearance.
Three Matches in Delhi
The opening T20I will be played on September 13, followed by the second match on September 15 and the final encounter on September 17.
All three matches are scheduled to take place in Delhi as India and Afghanistan prepare for another short-format bilateral contest.
With Samson returning, Bumrah moving closer to an international comeback and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi retaining his place, the squad combines experienced internationals with emerging talent ahead of India’s upcoming T20 assignments.
source – BCCI
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