Afghanistan are set to play their home matches in India. The three-match T20I series will be held at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. The dates are September 13, 15, and 17, 2026. This is the first time Afghanistan will host India in a bilateral series. However, due to security concerns, they are playing in a neutral venue — Delhi.
For Afghanistan, this series means more than just three games. They have never beaten India in a T20I. Nine meetings so far. Eight losses. One no-result. The numbers are brutal. But numbers can change. Afghanistan have beaten top teams in recent years. They have the spinners to trouble any batting line-up. This could be their best chance.
India are treating this series as preparation for the Asian Games, which start on September 23. Shreyas Iyer will lead the side. Jasprit Bumrah returns after a long break. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old sensation, is the most talked-about name in the squad. The series will be a test of India’s depth and Afghanistan’s resilience.
Afghanistan Play Home Games in Delhi
Afghanistan are listed as the hosts but the matches are in Delhi. It is not new for them. They have played home games in India, the UAE, and other countries for years. Security challenges have forced them to adapt.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is a familiar ground for both teams. The surface is usually flat and boundaries are short. Pacers get early assistance, but batters take over as the match progresses. High scores are common here.
| Detail | Information |
| Series | Afghanistan vs India, 3 T20Is |
| Host | Afghanistan (venue in India) |
| Dates | September 13, 15, 17, 2026 |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Start Time | 07:00 PM IST |
The series ends on September 17. Four days later, the Asian Games begin in Japan. Both teams will use these games to finalize their combinations. Every performance matters.
India’s Squad: Youth and Experience Combined
Shreyas Iyer is the captain. Tilak Varma is the vice-captain. The squad has a blend of seasoned players and young talent. Jasprit Bumrah is back. His inclusion is subject to fitness clearance, but his presence lifts the bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana add pace. Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi bring variety in spin.
India Squad:
– Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
– Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain)
– Abhishek Sharma
– Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
– Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
– Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
– Shivam Dube
– Nitish Kumar Reddy
– Axar Patel
– Washington Sundar
– Varun Chakaravarthy
– Ravi Bishnoi
– Jasprit Bumrah
– Arshdeep Singh
– Harshit Rana
Players to Watch from India:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the name on everyone’s lips. At 15, he is the youngest player in the squad. He was India’s best batsman in Zimbabwe. 151 runs in three matches. A strike rate of 196.10. He hits boundaries for fun. Afghanistan’s spinners will target him early. His response will tell us a lot about his temperament.
Jasprit Bumrah is back. He missed the previous series. This is his first T20I since the World Cup final in March. India have missed his accuracy and variations. He can close out overs and pick wickets in the powerplay. If Bumrah is fully fit, Afghanistan’s top order will have a tough time.
Shreyas Iyer is under pressure as captain. India have high expectations. They want to win the Asian Games. Iyer needs runs to lead from the front.
Afghanistan’s Spin-Heavy Squad
Ibrahim Zadran is the new captain. This is his first series as full-time T20I captain. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi provide one of the best spin attacks in world cricket. Naveen-ul-Haq returns from injury.
Afghanistan Squad:
– Ibrahim Zadran (Captain)
– Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper)
– Noor Rahman (Wicketkeeper)
– Sediqullah Atal
– Darwish Rasooli
– Azmatullah Omarzai
– Gulbadin Naib
– Mohammad Nabi
– Rashid Khan
– Nangyal Kharoti
– Noor Ahmad
– Mujeeb Ur Rahman
– Fazal Haq Farooqi
– Abdullah Ahmadzai
– Naveen-ul-Haq
Players to Watch from Afghanistan:
Rashid Khan is a nightmare for batters. His googly, his leg-break, his accuracy — all of it is world-class. Delhi’s flat pitch will not trouble him. He can still turn the ball sharply. India’s batters will have to be careful against him.
Ibrahim Zadran is the captain now. He has been Afghanistan’s most consistent batter in recent years. He anchors innings and scores runs when the team needs them most. His leadership will be tested in this series.
Naveen-ul-Haq returns after a shoulder injury. He can bowl yorkers in the death overs. That skill is rare in Afghanistan’s pace attack. If he bowls well, Afghanistan can defend totals more effectively.
The Head-to-Head Record
India have dominated this contest. They have never lost to Afghanistan in a T20I. Eight wins out of nine. One match had no result. Afghanistan’s best chance was the Bengaluru Super Over. They came close but could not finish it.
| Statistic | Record |
| Total Matches | 9 |
| India Won | 8 |
| Afghanistan Won | 0 |
| No Result | 1 |
Afghanistan have improved. They have beaten Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other strong teams. They know how to win. The mental block against India is real. Breaking it will not be easy.
Delhi’s Pitch and Conditions
The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is known for high scores. The pitch is flat and the boundaries are short. Batsmen enjoy batting here. Spinners sometimes struggle because the ball does not grip. Quick bowlers can use the new ball, but after the first few overs, batting becomes easier.
The weather in Delhi in September is usually warm and humid. Heat could be a factor for the players. Teams will need to manage their bowling workloads carefully. Dew might also play a role in the later games.
Match Prediction
India are favourites. Their batting depth is stronger. Their bowling attack is more balanced. They have the experience of playing in Delhi. They have the psychological advantage of never losing to Afghanistan.
But Afghanistan have the spinners. They have Rashid Khan. They have Mujeeb. They have Nabi. If the pitch does not turn, they will struggle. If it offers even a little grip, they can defend totals.
The first match on September 13 will set the tone. Afghanistan have never beaten India in a T20I. They want to change that. India want to maintain their dominance. The series will be competitive. But India’s overall quality should make the difference.
Where to Watch
– Television: Sony Sports Network
– Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
– Match Time: 07:00 PM IST
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