Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Srikkanth Questions India's Full-Strength T20I Squad Against Afghanistan
India chose a strong team to play Afghanistan in three T20 cricket matches.
The series will begin in Delhi on September 13.
Four players are returning even though they are not fully fit yet.
Those players are Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar.
They will also play for India at the Asian Games in Japan.
Former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticized the decision.
He believes India may be afraid of losing after defeats in Ireland and England.
India later won a three-match series against Zimbabwe with a second-string team.
India selected a full-strength squad for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are set to return.
The series begins in Delhi on September 13 and is described as an away series.
The four selected players have not yet attained full fitness, according to the report.
Former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth said India may be worried after six straight tour defeats.
- Who
- India, Afghanistan and former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth are central to the report.
- What
- India selected a full-strength squad for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
- When
- The series is scheduled to begin on September 13; the same players will also compete at the Asian Games later that month.
- Where
- The series will be played in Delhi, while the Asian Games will take place in Japan.
- Why
- Srikkanth criticized the selection, saying India may be apprehensive after losing six completed matches in Ireland and England.
Selection Critics
Selection Decision
Using a full-strength squad
Selection Critics
Krishnamachari Srikkanth questioned the need to field a full-strength team against Afghanistan, especially before four players have regained full fitness.
Selection Decision
The Board of Control for Cricket in India selected key players for the Afghanistan series and will also use the same contingent to defend India's Asian Games gold medal.
Reason for the selection
Selection Critics
Srikkanth claimed India’s management may be apprehensive about the results after six completed defeats under Shreyas Iyer in Ireland and England.
Selection Decision
The selection committee’s reported plan was to choose a strong squad for the three-match series; the article does not provide a separate explanation from team management.
- Series
- Three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan
- Start date
- September 13
- Venue
- Delhi
- Returning players
- Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar
- Fitness status
- The four returning players have not yet attained full fitness
- Recent India results
- India lost all six completed matches on its tours of Ireland and England
- Zimbabwe series
- A second-string India team won 3-0 in July