According to Badrinath, the choices were not based on form or proven T20I credentials, but rather on coach Gautam Gambhir‘s personal preferences. Four members of the team—Jasprit Bumrah, Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana—have an asterisk next to them, signifying that the BCCI’s Center of Excellence has not yet given them fitness clearance.
Former India batsman S Badrinath has criticised the selection announcement, questioning the inclusion of all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar.
For the three-match Twenty20 International series against Afghanistan, which will take place at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on September 13, 15, and 17, 2026, India has selected a 15-person team. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are listed as potential wicketkeepers, while Shreyas Iyer will captain the team. Tilak Varma is selected vice-captain.
Under Gautam Gambhir leadership, Sundar has frequently appeared in India’s squads, although his place in the T20I format has remained controversial.
While acknowledging the support Sundar has received, Badrinath questioned whether it is entirely warranted considering his degree of establishing in the shortest format.
What does India stand to gain from Bumrah’s comeback before the Asian Games?
Before a left knee injury prevented him from participating in the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka, Bumrah last played for India during the ODI series in England in July 2026. Badrinath has seen his participation in the Afghanistan T20I team ahead of the Asian Games gold medal defence as a major development, despite the fact that a fitness clearance is still waiting.
The team is anticipated to double up for the series in order to prepare for India’s Asian Games campaign later in September 2026.
The whole Indian team for the 2026 T20I series against Afghanistan
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*
