India and Afghanistan are set to face each other in a three-match T20I series in September 2026. The series will be hosted by Afghanistan, but all three matches will be played in New Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The first T20I will be played on September 13, followed by the second match on September 15 and the third T20I on September 17. India will be led by Shreyas Iyer, while Ibrahim Zadran will captain Afghanistan.
The series is also attracting attention because several Indian players are returning from injuries or fitness concerns, including Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar.
India vs Afghanistan T20I Series 2026: Quick Details
- Series: India vs Afghanistan T20I Series 2026
- Matches: 3 T20Is
- Dates: September 13, 15 and 17, 2026
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
- India Captain: Shreyas Iyer
- India Vice-Captain: Tilak Varma
- Afghanistan Captain: Ibrahim Zadran
- Match Start: 7:30 PM IST
- Toss: 7:00 PM IST
- TV Broadcast in India: Sony Sports Network
- Live Streaming in India: FanCode
India vs Afghanistan T20 Schedule 2026
- 1st T20I: September 13, 2026 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 7:30 PM IST
- 2nd T20I: September 15, 2026 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 7:30 PM IST
- 3rd T20I: September 17, 2026 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 7:30 PM IST
The toss for each match will take place at 7:00 PM IST, with the match scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM.
Why Is Afghanistan Hosting India in Delhi?
This series is officially an Afghanistan-hosted assignment, even though the matches are being played in India. The arrangement is part of Afghanistan's international schedule and allows the Afghanistan Cricket Board to host India at a neutral venue outside Afghanistan.
For Indian fans, the unusual part is that India will technically be the visiting side despite playing all three matches in New Delhi.
India Squad for Afghanistan T20I Series 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
- Harshit Rana
India Players' Latest Fitness Updates
Fitness has been one of the biggest talking points around India's squad. Several players were initially included subject to fitness clearance.
- Washington Sundar: Washington Sundar has been declared fit and is available for the Afghanistan T20I series. His return gives India another useful spin-bowling all-rounder option.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: Nitish Kumar Reddy has cleared his fitness test and has been declared fit for the series. His availability strengthens India's all-round options in the middle order.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Jasprit Bumrah has been included in the squad, but his final availability has been closely monitored because of his recent fitness issue. The final medical clearance remains important before confirming his participation.
- Harshit Rana: Harshit Rana's return has suffered another setback after a hamstring injury. The latest reports indicate that he is unlikely to be fit in time for the Afghanistan T20Is.
Therefore, the India squad announced earlier should not automatically be treated as the final playing group for every match. Fitness and final selection will determine which players actually take the field.
Afghanistan Squad for India T20I Series 2026
- Ibrahim Zadran (Captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper)
- Noor Rahman (Wicketkeeper)
- 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
- Reserves: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Ibrahim Zadran to Lead Afghanistan
Ibrahim Zadran will lead Afghanistan in the series and takes charge as the team's full-time T20I captain. He will have experienced players such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai around him.
Afghanistan also have a strong spin attack, with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti giving them several options in the middle overs.
Players to Watch in India vs Afghanistan T20Is
- Jasprit Bumrah: If cleared to play, Bumrah will be one of the biggest attractions of the series. His experience in T20 cricket can be particularly valuable in the powerplay and death overs.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The young batter is another player who will attract plenty of attention. His inclusion gives India an exciting young batting option and adds another attacking choice to the top order.
- Rashid Khan: Afghanistan will look towards Rashid Khan to make an impact with the ball. His ability to take wickets while controlling the run rate makes him a major threat in T20 cricket.
- Abhishek Sharma: Abhishek Sharma's aggressive batting can give India a fast start in the powerplay. His ability to contribute with the ball also gives India additional flexibility.
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Series Venue
All three T20Is will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The venue has hosted a large number of international and IPL matches and is familiar to several Indian players.
The Delhi surface can offer different challenges depending on the pitch and match conditions. Batters can score quickly when the ball comes nicely onto the bat, while spinners and slower bowlers can become important as the innings progresses.
The evening timing also means dew could become a factor. Captains winning the toss may therefore have to consider whether chasing could become easier later in the night.
India vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head in T20Is
India have traditionally had the upper hand against Afghanistan in T20I cricket. Their previous bilateral T20I series in India in January 2024 ended with India winning all three matches.
Both teams have also faced each other in major international tournaments, making this another interesting chapter in their growing T20I rivalry.
Where to Watch India vs Afghanistan T20 Series 2026 Live?
Fans in India can watch the India vs Afghanistan T20I series live on television through Sony Sports Network. For online viewers, the matches will be available for live streaming on FanCode through its app and website.
- Live Streaming: FanCode app and website
- TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
- Match Start: 7:30 PM IST
- Toss: 7:00 PM IST
What to Expect From the India vs Afghanistan Series?
India will enter the series with a strong squad on paper, but Afghanistan have enough quality to make the contest competitive. The biggest question for India will be how quickly the returning players settle back into international T20 cricket.
For Afghanistan, the spin attack could be their biggest weapon. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti give them several ways to attack India's batters through the middle overs.
India, meanwhile, have plenty of batting depth and multiple all-round options. If their key players are available, they will start the series as the more experienced side.
India vs Afghanistan T20I Series 2026 FAQs
When will India vs Afghanistan T20I series 2026 start?
The first T20I will be played on September 13, 2026.
How many matches are there in the India vs Afghanistan T20I series?
There will be three T20I matches.
Where will India vs Afghanistan T20Is be played?
All three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
What time will India vs Afghanistan T20I matches start?
All three matches are scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST. The toss will take place at 7:00 PM IST.
Where can I watch India vs Afghanistan T20I live streaming?
In India, the matches will be available for live streaming on the FanCode app and website.
Which TV channel will show India vs Afghanistan T20Is?
The live television broadcast will be available on Sony Sports Network.
Who is India's captain for the Afghanistan T20I series?
Shreyas Iyer is India's captain, while Tilak Varma is the vice-captain.
Who is Afghanistan's captain?
Ibrahim Zadran will captain Afghanistan in the series.
Conclusion
The India vs Afghanistan T20I series 2026 promises an interesting three-match contest in New Delhi. India have a strong squad with several experienced players, while Afghanistan have a dangerous combination of spin, power-hitting and T20 experience.
With the series beginning on September 13 and all three matches being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, fans will have three consecutive opportunities to watch the two sides compete in T20I cricket.