NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 2: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, with Shreyas Iyer set to lead the side and Tilak Varma named his deputy.

The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and young talent as India prepares for the three-match series scheduled to be played in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17.

Shreyas Iyer will take charge of the team, while Tilak Varma has been appointed vice-captain. The selection has also brought several notable returns, including that of senior fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. His inclusion will strengthen India’s pace attack and provide valuable experience to the bowling unit.

Wicketkeeper-batters Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have both been included in the squad. Their presence gives the team additional options in the batting department and behind the stumps.

Young opener Abhishek Sharma has retained his place, while teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also been selected. Sooryavanshi’s continued presence highlights the selectors’ confidence in his ability to compete at the international level despite his young age.

The middle order includes Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy, while the all-rounder department also features Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Both players can contribute with bat and ball, giving the team greater flexibility in selecting its playing combination.

India’s spin department will be led by Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi. The two spinners provide different bowling options and are expected to play an important role depending on the conditions and pitch.

The pace attack includes Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Their combination gives India a blend of experience, left-arm pace and youthful energy.

The BCCI has indicated that the participation of some players, including Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana, will be subject to fitness clearance. Their availability will therefore be closely monitored ahead of the opening match.

One of the major talking points from the selection is the absence of Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder has not been included in the squad as he continues to deal with fitness concerns, meaning India will have to rely on other all-round options.

The Afghanistan series is expected to provide India with an opportunity to assess its T20I combinations while giving several players valuable international match experience. The presence of senior players alongside promising youngsters could also help India build greater depth ahead of future assignments.

With Iyer taking charge and several familiar faces returning, the series promises to be an important contest for India. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will look to challenge the Indian side and make the most of the opportunity against one of the leading teams in international T20 cricket.

The three-match series in New Delhi will therefore attract considerable attention, with fans eager to see how India’s new-look combination performs against Afghanistan.

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