India return to T20I cricket on September 13 when they face Afghanistan in the first match of a three-game series in Delhi. The series is an important preparation opportunity ahead of the Asian Games, with India also scheduled to face Japan later this month.
For 11xplay readers following the latest cricket developments, one of the biggest talking points is India’s opening combination. The team has several options available, while Afghanistan also welcome back pace bowler Naveen-ul-Haq after almost two years away from the national side.
India’s Opening Combination in Focus
The opening positions are among the most interesting selection questions for India. The team has several players capable of taking responsibility at the top of the order, creating competition for places.
Multiple Options Available
India’s squad gives the management several combinations to consider. The final decision could depend on recent form, balance, and the role each player is expected to perform.
An effective opening pair needs to provide:
- A positive start
- Good strike rotation
- Boundary-scoring ability
- Stability against the new ball
- Flexibility according to match conditions
The Afghanistan series gives the team an opportunity to test combinations before the Asian Games.
Shreyas Iyer Leads India
Shreyas Iyer is leading the Indian side for the series. The squad includes a mixture of established T20 players and younger options, giving the captain and management several combinations to explore.
The series can therefore provide useful information about India’s depth and how different players fit into the team’s plans.
Naveen-ul-Haq Returns for Afghanistan
Afghanistan have their own major storyline heading into the series. Naveen-ul-Haq is returning to international cricket after nearly two years away because of injuries and a lengthy shoulder rehabilitation process.
His return adds another interesting dimension to Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
Why His Return Matters
Naveen has experience in T20 cricket and can offer Afghanistan another pace option during different phases of an innings.
His comeback will be closely watched because:
- He has spent a significant period away from international cricket
- He brings T20 experience
- Afghanistan need variety in their bowling attack
- The series provides an important test of his return
India’s Squad Has Several Flexible Options
India’s current T20 group contains players capable of contributing in more than one role. The ICC squad listing includes players such as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar alongside specialist bowlers.
This gives India flexibility when selecting the playing XI also user can manage your account in 11xplays login.
Delhi Series Provides Important Preparation
All three matches of the Afghanistan series are scheduled in Delhi, with the first T20I on September 13, followed by matches on September 15 and 17.
The series comes at an important time because India will then travel to Japan for a historic T20I on September 22 before the Asian Games begin.
What to Watch in the First T20I
The opening combination will be one of the main selection points, but there are several other areas worth following.
India’s Bowling Combination
The team has multiple pace and spin options, meaning the playing XI could change depending on conditions.
Afghanistan’s Pace Attack
Naveen’s return adds another storyline to the contest and could provide Afghanistan with valuable experience.
Young Players
The series gives younger Indian players another opportunity to make an impression before the Asian Games.
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Final Thoughts
The India-Afghanistan T20I series comes at an important stage of India’s short-format calendar. The first match in Delhi will provide an early indication of the team’s preferred opening combination and how the management plans to use its flexible squad.
For Afghanistan, Naveen-ul-Haq’s return is an equally significant development. His performance after a long international absence will be one of the major individual storylines of the series.
FAQs
When is the India vs Afghanistan first T20I?
The first T20I is scheduled for September 13, 2026, in Delhi.
Why is India’s opening combination important?
India have several players who can potentially open, so the series provides an opportunity to identify the most effective combination.
Why is Naveen-ul-Haq’s return significant?
He is returning to Afghanistan’s side after nearly two years away because of injury-related issues and rehabilitation.
How many T20Is are in the series?
India and Afghanistan are scheduled to play three T20Is in Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17.
What comes after the Afghanistan series?
India are scheduled to face Japan in a historic T20I in Sano on September 22 before the Asian Games.
