India to Select Between Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson for Afghanistan T20I Opener
Quick Look
India will choose between young batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for the first T20I against Afghanistan in New Delhi on September 13, 2026, with Ishan Kishan's fitness also a factor; Afghanistan's strong spin attack poses a key test ahead of the Asian Games.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
India is preparing for the Asian Games in Japan and using the T20I series against Afghanistan to evaluate players, including choosing between Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson for the opening batsman role.
Ibrahim Zadran and Shreyas Iyer (BCCI Photo)
India will begin their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi on Sunday, with the team facing a selection call between young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. Sooryavanshi played in the first two T20Is during India's England tour before Samson returned to the playing XI for the final match. The team management now has another chance to assess both players ahead of the Asian Games in Japan.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or Sanju Samson?
Samson and Abhishek Sharma have formed a more settled opening combination for India in T20Is. However, Sooryavanshi's attacking style gives the team another option at the top. During Friday's net session, Samson appeared slightly more in control, while Sooryavanshi spent time facing Jasprit Bumrah and learning how to deal with movement off the surface. The 15-year-old could enjoy the Afghanistan attack, with none of their bowlers matching Bumrah's quality. Afghanistan's pace could also suit Sooryavanshi's aggressive, stand-and-deliver style. Samson's omission in England after three failures also raised questions, especially given his experience in the format.
Ishan Kishan fitness adds to India's selection puzzle
India could also consider playing both Samson and Sooryavanshi if Ishan Kishan is ruled out. Kishan had a back injury scare during Friday's net session. He comes into the series after a brilliant Duleep Trophy final, where he scored 270 and 80. Kishan will be keen to play because T20Is remain the only format in which he is currently a regular for India.
Afghanistan's spin attack a big test for India
The three-match series will give India's Asian Games-bound players valuable preparation against a strong Afghanistan side. Afghanistan have a world-class spin attack featuring Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Facing them in three T20Is will be a major test for India's batters ahead of the Asian Games in Japan.
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Live streaming details
When will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I be played? The first T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played on Sunday, September 13, 2026.Where will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I be played? The match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.What time will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I start? The first T20I will start at 7 PM IST on Sunday.When will the toss take place? The toss is expected to take place at around 6:30 PM IST, 30 minutes before the scheduled start of play.Where can fans watch the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I on TV? The match will be telecast live in India on the Sony Sports Network.
India vs Afghanistan head-to-head record
India have dominated Afghanistan in T20Is. They have won eight of the nine matches between the two teams, while one match ended without a result.
India vs Afghanistan T20I series: Full schedule
September 13: 1st T20I, New Delhi — 7 PM IST
September 15: 2nd T20I — 7 PM IST
September 17: 3rd T20I — 7 PM IST
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Weather forecast
Weather could play a role in the opening T20I in Delhi. According to AccuWeather, there is a 64% chance of precipitation on Sunday. The chances of rain are expected to increase from the afternoon and remain a concern around the match. The rain chances are expected to be 10% or lower until noon before rising from 1 PM. They are around 40% at 6 PM and 37% at 7 PM, when the match begins. The chances remain around 40% for the next two hours before falling later in the evening. While rain may not completely wash out the match, showers could cause interruptions.
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India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Predicted XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (C), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy. Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
India vs Afghanistan: Squads
Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Noor Rahman, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur.
End of Article
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
India will select Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the opening batsman position in the first T20I against Afghanistan.
Possible · Within days
Ishan Kishan will be ruled out of the T20I series due to his back injury scare.
Possible · Within days
Open Questions
- Will Ishan Kishan be fit to play in the series?
- Which player will India select for the opening position in the first T20I?
- How will India's batsmen perform against Afghanistan's world-class spin attack?