India Playing 11 vs AFG 1st T20I: Bumrah, Ishan Return; Samson Out?

Kaif pic By - Friday, Sep 11, 2026
Last Updated on Sep 11, 2026 05:16 PM

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India Playing 11 vs AFG 1st T20I: The first match of the three-game T20I series between India and Afghanistan will be played on Sunday, September 13, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. With the return of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah following his injury and the excellent form of young players, India's playing XI combination appears formidable for this match.

Explosive Opening Duo: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma

India Playing 11 vs AFG 1st T20I

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma are likely to open the innings for India in the first T20I. Both batsmen are known for their aggressive style of play. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old sensation who recently made his T20 debut during the England tour, will be playing an international match on Indian soil for the first time. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma, ranked third in the ICC T20I batting rankings, will shoulder the responsibility of scoring quick runs during the powerplay.

Strong Middle-Order: Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and Tilak Varma

India Playing 11 vs AFG 1st T20I

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  • Number 3 (Ishan Kishan): Ishan Kishan, the number-one ranked batsman in the ICC T20I rankings, is likely to bat at the number three spot. Coming off a double-century in the Duleep Trophy final, Ishan will feature in the team as the wicketkeeper, making it unlikely for Sanju Samson to play in the opening match.
  • Number 4 (Shreyas Iyer): Captain Shreyas Iyer will anchor the innings at number four and look to score runs at a brisk pace.
  • Number 5 (Tilak Varma): Vice-captain Tilak Varma will provide stability to the team at the number five position.

3 All-Rounders and Spin Department

India Playing 11 vs AFG 1st T20I

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To maintain team balance, India might include three all-rounders in the playing XI. Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar are almost certain to be part of the lineup. These three players offer excellent bowling options while also adding depth to the batting lineup. Apart from them, Varun Chakravarthy is almost certain to get the nod as the lead spinner.

Also Read: India vs Afghanistan T20I Series: Date, Time, Live Telecast & Where to Watch

Pace Attack: Bumrah's Return and Arshdeep Singh's Support

India Playing 11 vs AFG 1st T20I

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Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead the pace attack, making his comeback after an injury. His precise yorkers and variations will prove crucial on the Delhi pitch. He will be supported by left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, known for his swing in the opening overs and tight bowling during the death overs.

India's Predicted Playing 11 vs Afghanistan for 1st T20I

  1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
  2. Abhishek Sharma
  3. Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
  4. Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
  5. Tilak Varma (Vice-captain)
  6. Shivam Dube
  7. Axar Patel
  8. Washington Sundar
  9. Varun Chakravarthy
  10. Jasprit Bumrah
  11. Arshdeep Singh

Also Read: IND vs AFG T20I Series: Team India records at Arun Jaitley Stadium

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