The buzz around Delhi is electric. India and Afghanistan are set to clash in the 1st T20I on September 13, 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. But just before the toss, India’s plans were jolted — Ishan Kishan picked up a back strain in nets, leaving Sanju Samson as the likely wicketkeeper-batter. Fans are also keeping an eye on the skies, with rain threatening to disrupt play.
Probable Playing XI
India
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Tilak Varma (vc)
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (wk) – likely in for Kishan
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Washington Sundar
Afghanistan
- Ibrahim Zadran (c)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Rashid Khan
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Noor Ahmad
- Darwish Rasooli
Pitch & Weather Report
- Pitch: Traditionally batting-friendly at Arun Jaitley Stadium, but spinners could get grip under lights.
- Weather: IMD warns of rain showers in Delhi on match day, which could delay or shorten play.
Head-to-Head Record
- India won by 47 runs (June 2024)
- India won by 6 wickets (Jan 2024, twice)
- Match tied (India won Super Over, Jan 2024)
- No result (Oct 2023) India has dominated recent encounters, winning 3 of last 5.
Players to Watch
- India: Shreyas Iyer (311 runs in last 10 T20Is), Jasprit Bumrah (death overs specialist).
- Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran (424 runs in last 9 T20Is), Rashid Khan (14 wickets in last 8).
What’s Next?
All eyes are on Kishan’s fitness update. If ruled out, Samson’s return could reshape India’s middle order. Fans should also brace for possible rain interruptions. Expect a high-energy contest with Afghanistan’s spin attack testing India’s batting depth.
FAQs
Will Ishan Kishan play the 1st T20I?
Latest reports suggest his back strain makes him doubtful; medical team will decide hours before the match.
Who replaces Kishan if he’s out?
Sanju Samson is the frontrunner as the only specialist wicketkeeper in the squad.
Is rain expected during the match?
Yes, Delhi’s forecast shows showers around match time, which could impact play.
