Archive · 13 Sep 2026
India-Afghanistan First T20I Hinges on Samson-Sooryavanshi Selection
India and Afghanistan are playing the first match of a three-game T20 cricket series.
The match will be held in New Delhi on September 13.
Afghanistan is officially hosting the series, even though the games are in India.
India is expected to be the favorite because it has performed strongly against Afghanistan before.
India’s captain Shreyas Iyer must decide whether Sanju Samson or young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play near the top of the batting order.
India also has to choose between adding another spinner or selecting another fast bowler.
Afghanistan has several experienced players who know Indian conditions.
Its bowling attack includes famous spinners Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
The match is also being viewed as preparation for India’s Asian Games squad.
India will face Afghanistan in the first of three T20Is on September 13 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.
Afghanistan is the official host of the bilateral series despite all three matches being played in India.
India’s main selection dilemma is choosing between Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi near the top of the order.
India must also decide whether to select a third spinner, including Varun Chakravarthy, or use seamer Yash Thakur.
Afghanistan is expected to rely on its experienced squad and spin attack led by Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
- Who
- India, captained by Shreyas Iyer, will play Afghanistan, captained by Ibrahim Zadran.
- What
- The teams will play the first of a three-match T20I series.
- When
- The first match is scheduled for September 13 at 7:30 PM IST.
- Where
- Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The series provides international competition for both teams and preparation for India’s Asian Games squad.
Sanju Samson Case
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Case
Top-order selection
Sanju Samson Case
Samson is being considered for a return after questions about his place following his omission midway through the England series; Dinesh Karthik described him as an important World Cup player.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Case
Sooryavanshi is also being considered and has previously scored a 21-ball 46 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium against international fast bowlers, according to the report.
Probable lineup
Sanju Samson Case
One probable XI lists Sanju Samson as the second batter, with Ishan Kishan or Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also under consideration.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Case
The other probable XI lists Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or Sanju Samson in the second batting position, with Ishan Kishan as wicketkeeper.
Team balance
Sanju Samson Case
Selecting Samson could help resolve India’s wicketkeeper and top-order combination alongside the other listed batters.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Case
Selecting Sooryavanshi would give India the option of using the young batter whose place was specifically identified as a selection question.
- Match
- India vs Afghanistan, first T20I
- Series
- Three-match T20I series
- Date and time
- September 13, 7:30 PM IST
- Venue
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
- Official host
- Afghanistan
- India captain
- Shreyas Iyer
- Afghanistan captain
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Series schedule
- The second and third T20Is are scheduled for September 15 and 17 at the same venue.
