CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: BCCI Makes Eight Changes to India Squad for Afghanistan T20Is
New Delhi: Several major changes were seen as soon as the Indian team was announced for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan. The BCCI has given opportunities to several new faces, while eight players who were part of the previous series have not found a place this time.
The three T20 matches between India and Afghanistan will be played in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17, 2026. For this series, Shreyas Iyer has been named captain and Tilak Varma vice-captain.
Sanju Samson and Varun Chakravarthy return
The biggest news in the squad is the return of Sanju Samson. The wicketkeeper-batter has been included in the T20 team again. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy has also returned to the squad after regaining fitness. In addition, young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi has also been given a place in the team and will have an opportunity to strengthen his identity at the international level in this series.
Hardik Pandya left out of the squad
All-rounder Hardik Pandya’s return has been delayed for now. As his fitness is not fully in order, the selectors did not include him in the team. Meanwhile, the final selection of Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar will depend on fitness clearance.
These eight players miss out
Rinku Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Harsh Dubey, Prabhsimran Singh, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Mayank Yadav and Ashok Sharma, who were part of the previous England and Zimbabwe series, have been left out of the squad for the Afghanistan series. Because of this, discussion over major changes in the team has intensified on social media.
Through this squad, the selectors have indicated that they want to try young talent along with experienced players. In particular, the selection of Vaibhav Suryavanshi reflects Team India’s plans for the future.
However, after fitness clearances, the possibility of a few more changes to the team remains. In such a situation, until the series against Afghanistan begins, India’s final combination could once again become a subject of discussion.
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