3 changes India could make for 3rd IND vs AFG T20I
(Courtesy : BCCI/X)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is likely to enter the India playing XI for the 3rd IND vs AFG T20I match in 2026.
India have already secured the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with two straight wins in the first two matches. However, the third match is still crucial for the Indian team, who are aiming to try different combinations of players.
The first two matches have given the management a clear idea on some players, and hence, many players who were benched for those matches are likely to be picked for the final match of the series.
India won the opening match comfortably before making one forced change to combination for the second encounter. Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy remained the star players in the series, as India won the first two matches by a margin of 7 wickets.
The management could also use the game to experiment with combinations ahead of India’s upcoming assignments in the Asian Games and then the subsequent series against the West Indies and New Zealand.
Three possible changes to India could make for last IND vs AFG T20I
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3. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in place of Abhishek Sharma
The biggest potential change could come at the top of the order, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi potentially getting a chance. India will be looking to fancy some changes to their opening combination.
While Abhishek has been in stunning form, the teenager is mostly fighting for a spot with Sanju Samson. With India already winning the series, the final match could be the perfect occasion to give him international exposure. India might consider resting Abhishek for the next game.
Samson, however, played a stunning innings during the second match of the IND vs AFG series. Hence, it remains a probability that Sooryavanshi could now open alongside Samson for the upcoming match.
2. Yash Thakur in place of Jasprit Bumrah
Yash Thakur, the Indian pacer, was named as Harshit Rana’s replacement after the star pacer suffered an injury before the start of the IND vs AFG three-match T20I series. Thakur made his debut against Zimbabwe.
With Indian management always looking to manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, the star pacer might be rested for the third match, and Thakur can be added as his replacement. Bumrah will have to manage his workload before the crucial Asian Games tournament.
1. Washington Sundar in place of Axar Patel
India could also bring in Washington Sundar into the XI. Sundar’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a crucial asset to the Indian side. However, despite having made a comeback from his injury, Sundar has been benched for the first two matches of the Afghanistan series.
Sundar could act as a replacement for either of the three all-rounders who were part of the Indian playing XI for the first two matches in the series. Giving Sundar a full game before the Asian Games could emerge as a valuable practice for the all-rounder.
Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play for India in the Asian Games?
Yes, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been added to the Indian squad and is likely to play for India in the Asian Games
Why did Washington Sundar not play in the IND vs AFG first and second T20I?
Washington Sundar did not play in the first and second T20Is against Afghanistan due to Team Combination Decisions and preferred playing XIs.
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