Vaibhav Suryavanshi is likely to feature in the first T20 against Afghanistan. The 15-year-old made a strong impact in the series against Zimbabwe and won the Player of the Series award after his explosive performances. His place in the Indian squad now appears to be almost assured. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has returned to the team after India lost the series against Zimbabwe. However, it appears difficult for him to secure a place in the playing XI for the opening match.
The other major question is who will open alongside Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Abhishek Sharma is likely to receive another opportunity, but his recent form remains a concern. He scored only 11 runs in three matches against Zimbabwe. Abhishek has also failed to perform as expected in 2026. He has scored 514 runs in 23 matches during this period and has recorded six ducks. If he fails again in the first T20 against Afghanistan, the door could open once more for Sanju Samson.
Ishan Kishan is likely to continue as India’s wicketkeeper in the first T20. His confidence has received a major boost after he scored a record 350 runs against South Zone in the final of the Duleep Trophy. As a result, Sanju Samson may have to wait for an opportunity in the playing XI. In the middle order, captain Shreyas Iyer and vice-captain Tilak Varma are in good form. Shivam Dube is also likely to find a place in the team.
The choice between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar could also shape India’s combination. Considering the Delhi pitch, Shreyas Iyer could opt for Washington Sundar instead of Nitish Kumar Reddy. Sundar has been out of the team for the past few months because of a hamstring injury and has recently received fitness clearance.
Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness could also be tested in the match. It could be Bumrah’s first T20 under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy. Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel are expected to lead the bowling attack.
For the first T20 against Afghanistan, India’s likely playing XI is Shreyas Iyer as captain, Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ishan Kishan as wicketkeeper, Tilak Varma as vice-captain, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. The first match at Arun Jaitley Stadium will therefore bring the competition for places, particularly between Sanju Samson and the players currently in contention, into sharp focus.
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