Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has returned to India’s T20I squad after the BCCI named a 15-member side for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan, beginning September 13 in Delhi. Shreyas Iyer will captain the side, while Tilak Varma has been appointed vice-captain. Bumrah’s inclusion, however, is subject to fitness clearance, along with Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana. Bumrah last featured for India against England in Cardiff on July 16 and subsequently missed the final ODI at Lord’s after sustaining an impact injury while fielding. He was also unavailable for India’s Test series against Sri Lanka.
Sooryavanshi retains place
Young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has retained his place in the T20I set-up alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have been picked as the two wicketkeeping options. The middle order includes Iyer, Tilak and Shivam Dube, with Nitish, Axar Patel and Washington providing all-round options. Bumrah’s prospective return strengthens a pace attack featuring Arshdeep Singh and Harshit, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi provide the frontline spin options. Hardik Pandya has not been included in the squad.
Three matches in Delhi
All three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, with the opener scheduled for September 13, followed by the second T20I on September 15 and the finale on September 17. Afghanistan will be the designated hosts for the series, which forms part of their Future Tours Programme.
India squad: Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma (VC), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana.
Bumrah, Nitish, Washington and Harshit are subject to fitness clearance.