Jasprit Bumrah returns as India face Afghanistan in the first T20I at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, marking Afghanistan’s first bilateral series as official hosts against India. The match highlights Afghanistan’s rise and India’s renewed T20 strength.
Jasprit Bumrah’s return to India’s T20I setup will be one of the major talking points when Afghanistan take on India in the first T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, September 13. The match carries added significance as Afghanistan officially host India in a bilateral series for the first time.
Bumrah looked sharp during India’s nets session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday night. Despite a drizzle delaying the start, the premier fast bowler completed an extended spell and appeared comfortable while working through different lengths and run-ups. His return comes after he missed the third ODI against England and two Tests in Sri Lanka following an impact injury to his left knee while fielding in Cardiff.
During the practice session, Bumrah also shared an entertaining contest with young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Sooryavanshi had famously hit Bumrah for a six off the first ball he faced from him in the IPL. This time, however, Bumrah responded by beating his bat before producing a sharp yorker.
The contest between the two also underlines the changing nature of India’s T20 setup, with Sooryavanshi among the young players pushing for opportunities at the highest level.
For Afghanistan, Sunday represents a major moment in their cricketing journey. For years, India effectively served as Afghanistan’s home for international cricket, with venues in Greater Noida, Dehradun and Lucknow hosting their matches. Their first Test, in 2018, was also played in Bengaluru against India.
The relationship between Indian cricket and Afghanistan has played an important role in the latter’s development. Afghanistan have since grown into a highly competitive international side, particularly in T20 cricket. Players such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have also gained extensive experience playing in Indian conditions through the IPL.
Now, Afghanistan will enter the contest as the official home team, although the match will be played in New Delhi. Their familiarity with the conditions could prove valuable, particularly against an Indian side that has plenty of experience at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Afghanistan’s batting will revolve around Ibrahim Zadran, Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal, while their middle order will look to become more consistent. Their greatest strength, however, remains their spin attack. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad can pose significant challenges during the middle overs.
India, meanwhile, have plenty of batting options. Shreyas Iyer will lead a deep lineup featuring Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma. Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel add further depth to the batting.
The biggest selection challenge could come at the top of the order, with Abhishek, Samson and Sooryavanshi competing for limited positions. Ishan Kishan also impressed against spin in practice, although a back issue suffered during Friday’s session could affect his availability.
India will also welcome back important bowling resources. Along with Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy returns, while Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy strengthen the squad. The return of key players gives India greater balance after a period affected by injuries.
Afghanistan, under newly appointed captain Ibrahim Zadran and coach Richard Pybus, will look to rebuild after their early exit from the T20 World Cup. They will hope their experience of Indian conditions can help them challenge the reigning T20 World Cup holders.
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The first T20I therefore represents more than another bilateral fixture. Afghanistan’s journey from playing their “home” matches in India to officially hosting India in the same country reflects their remarkable rise in world cricket.
Match details: Afghanistan vs India, 1st T20I, Sunday, September 13, 7:30 PM IST, Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. The match will be broadcast on Sony Sports Ten 3, 4 and 5 SD & HD, with live streaming available on FanCode.
