The BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) has given Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy permission to participate in India’s three-match Twenty20 International series against Afghanistan, which begins on September 13, 2026. On Thursday, September 10, the two all-rounders were scheduled to travel to New Delhi to reunite with the rest of the team.
Before being given the all-clear, both players finished their fitness evaluations and match simulations at the CoE facility in Bengaluru, according to sources. Ahead of a series that also serves as the main window of preparation for the Asian Games, the approval is a welcome boost for India.
The Afghanistan T20I series, which will take place on September 13, 15, and 17, will be captained by Shreyas Iyer. The series is the two countries’ first-ever bilateral Twenty20 International match.
How long were Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar sidelined, and what injuries held them out?
After suffering a hamstring injury during the second ODI against England in Cardiff in July 2026, Sundar’s absence from international cricket began. He was kept away from the national team for a long time after the setback, which prevented him from playing in the next Test series against Sri Lanka.
Nitish Kumar recovery required significantly more time. His left quadriceps issue started up and got worse after he last played for India in the home ODI series against Afghanistan in June 2026. Due to the injury, he was unable to participate in India’s trips to Sri Lanka, England, and Ireland during that time. Both players are now eligible for selection after completing their rehabilitation programs at the CoE.
Before the series, how fit is the rest of the team?
As the series draws near, Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana’s availability is still unknown. After suffering a knee injury during the second ODI against England, Bumrah’s timely fitness has not been confirmed.
Rana is recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained during the July 2026 England tour. Prince Yadav has been mentioned as a possible last-minute inclusion to the team in the event that either fast bowler fails their fitness evaluation.
Separately, following the conclusion of the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai, Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Tilak Varma are anticipated to join the group in New Delhi; their arrival will depend on whether a result or draw is announced at Chepauk.
In the future, India will begin their Asian Games gold medal defence at Korogi Sports Park on September 28 after playing a single Twenty20 International against Japan at Sano International Cricket Ground on September 22.
