BCCI names squad for Afghanistan T20Is; Sanju Samson returns, Hardik Pandya left out

The BCCI announced a 15-member squad on Tuesday for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan scheduled from 13 to 17 September at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Sanju Samson returns to the side after missing the recent white-ball tours, while Hardik Pandya remains unavailable due to recurring fitness issues that have kept him out for nearly six months.

Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy were included subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi retains his place in the squad following his earlier selection. All three matches will be played in the capital before India travels to defend its Asian Games gold later this month.

The series forms part of India's preparations ahead of next year's ODI World Cup, with the BCCI set to review senior player availability at a meeting in Mumbai on Thursday.