23 hrs ago
India Names Afghanistan T20I Squad Amid Four Fitness Concerns
India has picked a team for three T20 cricket matches against Afghanistan.
Four selected players may not be allowed to play yet because they need medical clearance.
Jasprit Bumrah is recovering from a knee injury.
Washington Sundar hurt his hamstring, and Nitish Kumar Reddy has a quadriceps injury.
Harshit Rana has had knee surgery and another injury setback.
Hardik Pandya is also not ready after being hit on the shin during practice.
The selectors may believe the recovering players could return soon, but some people think India had other healthy choices.
The matches are planned for September 13, 15 and 17.
Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana were selected for India’s 15-member Afghanistan T20I squad, subject to fitness clearance.
Bumrah is rehabilitating a left-knee injury sustained during the England ODI series and faces a decision before the opening match.
Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana are also recovering from hamstring, quadriceps and knee-related injuries.
Hardik Pandya remains unavailable after a shin injury caused pain and swelling, with bowling temporarily restricted.
The three T20Is are scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17, while Shreyas Iyer will lead India.
- Who
- India’s squad includes Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana and Hardik Pandya’s replacement options; Shreyas Iyer is the captain.
- What
- India named a 15-member squad for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with four players awaiting fitness clearance.
- Where
- The series will be played in India. Bumrah’s injury occurred during an ODI in Cardiff, and his rehabilitation is taking place in Bengaluru.
- When
- The matches are scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17; Bumrah’s availability will be assessed before the opening T20I.
- Why
- Selectors included players considered close to returning, although their fitness remains uncertain and other options are available.
Selection Rationale
Fitness Concerns
Picking recovering players
Selection Rationale
Selectors have previously chosen players who were close to returning and may view the four selected players as potential near-term options.
Fitness Concerns
None of the four players is certain to play, creating uncertainty for a three-match home series despite other available choices.
Managing Jasprit Bumrah
Selection Rationale
India’s medical team is being cautious with Bumrah and may preserve him for the demanding schedule ahead; he is expected to be fit for the Asian Games later this month if he misses this series.
Fitness Concerns
Bumrah has not fully recovered from his knee injury, so his participation cannot be assumed before the opening T20I.
Hardik Pandya’s workload
Selection Rationale
The team management is prioritizing Pandya’s fitness for the ODI World Cup next year and prefers to preserve his fast-bowling all-rounder role for the 50-over format.
Fitness Concerns
Pandya’s absence leaves India without an identical replacement for his skill set, while his bowling remains restricted until the Centre of Excellence is satisfied with his recovery.
Key facts
- Series
- Three T20Is between India and Afghanistan
- Match dates
- September 13, 15 and 17
- Squad status
- Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana require fitness clearance
- Bumrah’s injury
- Left-knee injury sustained during the England ODI series; he is undergoing rehabilitation in Bengaluru
- Other injuries
- Washington has a hamstring injury, Reddy has a quadriceps injury, and Rana has knee and subsequent hamstring problems
- Pandya’s status
- Hardik Pandya has not recovered in time, after a practice-session shin injury caused pain and swelling
- Leadership
- Shreyas Iyer will lead the squad
Quotes
A source familiar with Hardik Pandya’s condition
An unnamed source briefed The Telegraph about Pandya’s injury and rehabilitation status.
“It left him in pain and also led to swelling in the region. He has been advised a break from bowling because of the discomfort. Batting-wise, he is fine, but the COE wants to be fully convinced before giving him the final clearance.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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