India will begin a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with a selection decision between Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson. The series will serve as preparation for India’s Asian Games-bound players.
The team management is evaluating both Sooryavanshi and Samson ahead of the Asian Games in Japan. Samson and Abhishek Sharma have established themselves as a settled opening combination, but Sooryavanshi’s aggressive batting style offers another option. During a Friday net session, Samson appeared more in control, while Sooryavanshi practiced against Jasprit Bumrah, focusing on dealing with movement. The team believes Sooryavanshi could thrive against the Afghanistan attack, which lacks a bowler of Bumrah’s caliber.
Ishan Kishan’s fitness is also a factor in the selection process. He experienced a back injury scare during Friday’s practice, following a strong performance in the Duleep Trophy final where he scored 270 and 80. Kishan is eager to play, as T20Is are currently the only format in which he regularly features for India. India could consider playing both Samson and Sooryavanshi if Kishan is ruled out.
The series will provide India’s players with valuable preparation against Afghanistan’s strong spin attack, featuring Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Facing this spin attack in three T20Is will be a major test for India’s batters before the Asian Games.
The first T20I will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, starting at 7 PM IST. The toss is expected to take place at 6:30 PM IST. The match will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network in India. India has historically dominated Afghanistan in T20Is, winning eight of their nine encounters, with one match ending without a result.
Here is the full series schedule:
September 13: 1st T20I, New Delhi, 7 PM IST
September 15: 2nd T20I, 7 PM IST
September 17: 3rd T20I, 7 PM IST
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