BCCI names India squad for Afghanistan T20Is; Bumrah returns, Hardik Pandya omitted
India include Bumrah and omit Hardik Pandya for Afghanistan T20I series beginning 13 September.
The BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan starting 13 September in Delhi. Jasprit Bumrah returns subject to fitness clearance while Hardik Pandya remains unavailable.
Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy were also picked subject to fitness. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received another opportunity in the squad.
Hardik Pandya has been sidelined for nearly six months with recurring fitness issues. The series forms part of India's preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
CricHubb Take
Bumrah's inclusion after a long injury lay-off shows the board is willing to carry match-load risk when the upside is a proven death-over specialist. The decision places added pressure on the fast bowler to prove his fitness before the T20 World Cup cycle intensifies.