Jasprit Bumrah returns as India's squad for Afghanistan T20Is announced
Hardik Pandya has not been selected due to a fresh injury.
Indian cricket continues to emerge as one of the leading sides in the shortest format of the game. Alongside several established stars, they continue to strengthen their core with more talented youngsters and blend them to build a versatile unit.
India are entering the busiest phase of their international calendar as they take on Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series starting from September 13. The selection committee has picked the Indian squad for the series against Afghanistan.
Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar have been named in the squad despite the uncertainty over their availability due to fitness concerns. Young gun Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has retained his place in the Indian T20I side led by skipper Shreyas Iyer.
Experience meets Youth in India’s versatile T20I unit
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
India’s batting unit possesses an exciting mix of experience and youthful aggression. Players like Abhishek Sharma continue to dominate at the top while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is stepping up to prove himself on the big stage. The middle order looks calm and composed with players like Tilak Varma and skipper Shreyas Iyer.
One of the biggest strengths of this group is the presence of players with a wide range of qualities. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are players who can contribute with both bat and ball. Though some fitness concerns remain around their availability, they show India’s strength in the core of dependable all-rounders.
Jasprit Bumrah remains a premier option with the new ball and at the death, as he returns to competitive cricket after missing out on several crucial games this year. Although his participation has not yet been confirmed, his name inspires confidence in the Indian team.
Hence, it is evident that the most intriguing part of this Indian team is the balance between renowned T20 cricketers and youngsters looking to make an impact on the international stage. The presence of players capable of shouldering responsibility in difficult situations gives the youngsters the freedom to play their natural game.
India’s strength lies in the fact that, rather than relying on just one or a set of players, they have included several combinations of match-winning cricketers. Hence, the playing XI can be reshaped based on conditions and match requirements.
India squad for Afghanistan T20Is:
Shreyas Iyer [C], Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson [WK], Ishan Kishan [WK], Tilak Varma [VC], Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar*, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah*, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana*.
NOTE: * Subject to fitness clearance.
The Team India selection for the Afghanistan series reflects the increasing importance of flexibility in modern T20 cricket. Instead of specialist players, the team largely relies on a bunch of players who can contribute in more than one department.
Why is Hardik Pandya not picked for the India vs Afghanistan T20Is?
Hardik Pandya has been left out after his comeback was prevented by a niggle to his leg, which prevented him from bowling in full tilt.
Will Hardik Pandya play in the Asian Games?
Hardik Pandya will not play in the Asian Games.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.