India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Squad 2026 is all anyone is talking about before the first game of the three match T20I series gets underway in New Delhi. India will play Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on 13 September 2026. The match is the start of a fresh white ball run for Team India, with Shreyas Iyer set to lead. For India, this T20I series also comes at a key time because it is the last T20I duty before the Asian Games 2026.
The BCCI picked a 15 man squad. The group includes returning players like Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and also Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is getting another chance. Still, there was a late update. Yash Thakur came in after Harshit Rana was ruled out due to injury.
Below is the full plan for the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Squad 2026. It includes who the captain is, wicketkeepers, bowlers, all rounders, the expected playing XI, plus venue and pitch details. You will also find the main names to watch before the first T20I.
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Squad 2026
The BCCI Men’s Selection Committee chose a squad that mixes senior players with younger picks for this Afghanistan series. Bumrah is back after recovering from his injury. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is also in the group again for the T20I setup.
India Squad for 1st T20I vs Afghanistan 2026
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
- Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain)
- Shivam Dube
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yash Thakur (replaced Harshit Rana)
Harshit Rana was initially named, but later reports said he could not play because of injury. Yash Thakur was then added as the replacement.
Afghanistan Squad for India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2026
Afghanistan will be led by Ibrahim Zadran. This is his first full T20I run as captain. The squad also has solid experience. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad are part of it.
Afghanistan Squad
- Ibrahim Zadran (Captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Abdullah Ahmadzai
- Noor Ul Rahman
- Nangeyalia Kharote
Afghanistan’s spin group is still a major strength in T20 cricket. On top of that, Naveen ul Haq’s return adds more power to their pace options.
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Squad 2026: Match Details
Delhi will host the opening game.
Match Information
- Match: India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I
- Series: Afghanistan Tour of India 2026
- Date: 13 September 2026
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
- Time: 7:00 PM IST for Toss, 7:30 PM IST for Match
- Captain (India): Shreyas Iyer
- Captain (Afghanistan): Ibrahim Zadran
All three games are set to be played in Delhi.
Read our complete India vs Afghanistan T20I Series 2026 Schedule for all match dates, timings and venue details.
Shreyas Iyer Leads India in the 1st T20I
The India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Squad 2026 is another leadership stop for Shreyas Iyer.
The BCCI kept Iyer in the captain role for the Afghanistan series. Tilak Varma will bat as vice-captain.
Why Shreyas Iyer’s Captaincy Matters
- He will lead India’s young T20 group.
- He will work on match plans before the Asian Games.
- He will help manage Bumrah’s return workload.
- He will make space for players who are still rising.
This tour may add a fresh chapter to Iyer’s run as a white-ball captain.
Read our latest Shreyas Iyer Captaincy News before the India vs Afghanistan T20I series.
Jasprit Bumrah Returns to India’s T20I Squad
Among the main points in the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Squad 2026 was Jasprit Bumrah’s return.
He came back after injury recovery. He also got fitness clearance ahead of the series.
Why Bumrah’s Return Is Important
- He leads India’s pace attack.
- He brings experience in the powerplay.
- He helps in the death overs.
- This also gives extra time for Asian Games preparation.
Many fans want to see Bumrah bowl again in Delhi.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Gets Another Opportunity
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stays in India’s squad after solid recent international showings.
The selectors kept him in place even with tough competition in India’s top-order batting.
What Vaibhav Brings
- He can hit hard.
- He plays with no fear.
- He offers a left-handed opening option.
- He is a longer-term pick for Team India.
Even with a squad spot, the final XI for the first T20I will decide his role.
Read our Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Latest Cricket News to know why India’s teenage star is creating headlines.
Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan Are Back in the XI
India has two wicketkeeping choices.
Sanju Samson
- Hard-hitting opener
- Knows T20 batting well
- Can keep wickets
Ishan Kishan
- Left-hand top scorer type
- Can bat in many spots
- Keeps wickets well
So India can change the batting plan as needed.
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Squad 2026 Batting Strength
India mixes fresh faces with senior hands.
Top order choices
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Ishan Kishan
Middle order options
- Shreyas Iyer
- Tilak Varma
- Shivam Dube
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
Finishers
- Axar Patel
- Shivam Dube
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
With this many batters, India can match the pitch mood.
India’s Bowling Attack for the 1st T20I
The bowling unit looks set.
Pace
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yash Thakur
Spin
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
India also has several spin looks for Afghanistan’s middle overs.
Late Squad Update: Yash Thakur Comes In for Harshit Rana
The biggest late edit for the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Squad 2026 happened after Harshit Rana got injured.
BCCI said Yash Thakur will replace Harshit Rana for the Afghanistan series and the Asian Games squad.
Why Yash Thakur Got Picked
- Strong T20I start in Zimbabwe
- Good Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy form
- Can bowl at pace
- Useful in the death overs
This change adds more pace options to India.
Afghanistan’s Biggest Threats for India
Afghanistan have a tough T20 bowling group.
Rashid Khan
- Top leg spinner
- Big impact in the middle overs
- Can hit in the lower order
Mohammad Nabi
- Seasoned all-rounder
- Off-spin skills
- Can finish matches
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Slow mystery spinner
- Powerplay threat
Noor Ahmad
- Left-arm wrist spinner
- Mixes deliveries and stays controlled
India’s batters will need to handle quality spin all the way.
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Probable Playing XI 2026
India Probable Playing XI
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Ishan Kishan
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Tilak Varma
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakaravarthy
Afghanistan Probable Playing XI
- Ibrahim Zadran (Captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
This set-up gives both sides a steady XI for Delhi.
Arun Jaitley Stadium Pitch Report
Delhi pitches often help batters.
At the same time, spinners also get chances.
Pitch Characteristics
- First part is usually good for batting
- Ball comes on well off the pitch
- Middle overs bring turn
- Dew may show up in the second innings
- New-ball swing can happen before dew takes over
Weather Report for India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I
Delhi should feel warm tonight.
Expected weather details:
- Temperature near 30°C
- Humidity will stay moderate
- Rain is unlikely
Dew is expected to show up after 8:30 PM (IST).
If dew turns heavy, captains might choose to chase.
Key Names to Track: India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Squad 2026
Shreyas Iyer
India captain. Leads from the middle order.
Jasprit Bumrah
India’s fast bowler. Returns at a key time.
Abhishek Sharma
India. Handles the powerplay with a bigger intent.
Rashid Khan
Afghanistan’s top game changer.
Ibrahim Zadran
Afghanistan captain. Keeps the batting steady.
Tilak Varma
India vice-captain. Reliable in the middle overs.
India vs Afghanistan T20Is: Past Encounters
India have usually had the upper hand.
But Afghanistan have been more of a challenge lately.
Rivalry Notes
- India have won more matches.
- Afghanistan have pushed India in tight games.
- Rashid Khan and Nabi often trouble Indian batters.
- Spin matters more in Delhi.
The 2026 series could add another strong chapter.
Why the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Squad 2026 Matters
This series has weight for a few reasons.
India’s goals
- Lock in Asian Games combinations
- Check Bumrah’s workload
- Give chances to younger players
- Move forward with Shreyas Iyer’s leadership plan
Afghanistan’s goals
- Build momentum with Ibrahim Zadran
- Test their batting vs India’s pace
- Gear up for upcoming ICC events
The opening T20I may decide the mood for what comes next.
India vs Afghanistan Live Streaming and TV Schedule
Viewers in India can catch the first T20I on the official TV partner and the streaming service named for India’s home international matches.
Match timing
- Toss: 7:00 PM IST
- Start: 7:30 PM IST
Dream11 Fantasy Choices for India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I
Captain
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Shreyas Iyer
- Rashid Khan
Vice-captain
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Differential
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Noor Ahmad
- Axar Patel
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Match Prediction
India are expected to start as favorites.
Home conditions and squad depth shape that view.
Why India May Be Favorites
- Strong batting options
- Bumrah’s return
- More than one spin option
- Advantage in Delhi
How Afghanistan Could Win
- Rashid Khan controls middle overs
- Gurbaz gives a quick start
- Farooqi hits early in the innings
- Nabi holds the middle overs
A close game looks possible if Afghanistan’s spin units perform well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is India’s captain in the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2026?
Shreyas Iyer captains India in the opening T20I vs Afghanistan.
Who replaced Harshit Rana in India’s squad?
Yash Thakur came in after Harshit Rana was ruled out due to injury.
Is Jasprit Bumrah playing in the 1st T20I?
Jasprit Bumrah is back in India’s squad. He got fitness clearance.
Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi included?
Yes. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is listed for the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I in 2026.
Where will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I take place?
The game will be at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Conclusion
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Squad 2026 includes a mix of seasoned players and newer names. Team India starts a three-match T20I series in Delhi.
Shreyas Iyer is set to lead the side. Jasprit Bumrah returns after fitness clearance. The squad also includes Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is part of the group too.
Afghanistan comes in with a strong bowling unit. Rashid Khan is a key figure. Mohammad Nabi is also in the mix. Fazalhaq Farooqi adds to their options.
This series is India’s last T20I before the Asian Games 2026. Because of that, the first match feels important. Fans will watch the XI closely, especially Bumrah’s comeback, and how India’s batting handles Afghanistan’s spin attack.
