IND vs AFG: India's strongest playing XI for 1st T20I against Afghanistan - Predicted
India return to competitive T20I action, as Afghanistan host India for a T20I series for the first time.
India will begin their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan (IND vs AFG) on September 13. The first match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The series comes at a very interesting juncture for India, as they look to prepare for the T20 tournament at the Asian Games 2026.
India are the defending T20I world champions but have recently lost two series against Ireland and England. The Men in Blue won only one T20I series since the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, and it was against Zimbabwe.
Shreyas Iyer will captain India. The squad also includes several big names like Jasprit Bumrah, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma.
With players like Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi competing for a spot in the playing XI, India’s biggest dilemma will be around the opening combination. However, with recent reports indicating a possible injury to Ishan Kishan, Sanju might return to India’s XI as the wicket-keeping substitute.
On that note, let’s look at India’s probable XI for the first IND vs AFG T20I.
India’s predicted XI for IND vs AFG 1st T20I
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Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma‘s place in the Indian playing XI is confirmed. His aggressive approach makes him an ideal powerplay option. The left-handed batsman recently participated in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League and continued his aggressive intent.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Young gun Vaibhav Sooryavanshi performed brilliantly recently. The 15-year-old star made his debut against England and also won the Player of the Series award against Zimbabwe. With his dynamic strokeplay, Sooryavanshi is likely to continue as the Indian opener.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson could get the nod as wicketkeeper-batter, particularly if Ishan Kishan is not fully fit. Samson has returned to the Indian T20I squad after missing the Zimbabwe series.
Shreyas Iyer (C)
India’s captain Shreyas Iyer will occupy the crucial No. 4 position in the playing XI and play a major role in strengthening their middle-order batting. Iyer’s role will be crucial in this series.
Tilak Varma (VC)
Tilak Varma provides stability and also scores quick runs during the middle overs. If India lose early wickets, he provides balance and also builds partnerships when India need a strong finish.
Shivam Dube
The Indian all-rounder is one of the most experienced players and was part of the ICC T20 World Cup squad over the past two seasons. India won both World Cups, and Shivam Dube played a massive role. Dube remains India’s first-choice batting all-rounder.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
While India are without Hardik Pandya in the upcoming series against Afghanistan, Nitish Kumar Reddy might be called in to replace him in the playing XI. Reddy is making a comeback after recovering from an injury.
Axar Patel
Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has been regular in the T20I side. Axar can contribute with both the bat and ball. He is an excellent spinner and also strengthens the team’s batting lineup.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh is expected to lead the pace attack alongside Bumrah and provide a left-arm option. The left-arm pacer has not had the records going in his favour in the past few matches in both domestic and international cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah
After being cleared by the medical team, Jasprit Bumrah returns to international cricket following a long streak of injuries. He strengthens India’s pace attack and is most likely to play in the match. Bumrah was spotted during India’s practice game.
Varun Chakaravarthy
Since the 2026 T20 World Cup, the mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy‘s performance has not been particularly impressive.
However, he will aim to make a promising return to his wicket-taking best against Afghanistan in the upcoming three-match series.
When will the IND vs AFG 1st T20I be played?
The IND vs AFG 1st T20I will be played on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST (toss at 7:00 PM IST).
Where will the IND vs AFG T20I fixture be held?
The India vs Afghanistan T20I series will be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
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