Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Ishan Kishan’s Back Injury Scare Clouds Afghanistan T20I Opener
Ishan Kishan hurt his back while practicing for India’s matches against Afghanistan.
Navdeep Saini bowled a fast, high short ball at him.
Kishan tried to move away from the ball and felt pain in his back.
The team physiotherapist checked him while he rested.
Kishan then left practice and did not bat again that day.
Reports described the problem as a back sprain or lower-back niggle.
Saini later said Kishan told him that he was fine.
The team still needed to check whether he could play in the first match.
Ishan Kishan suffered back discomfort during India’s net session in New Delhi on Friday.
The issue occurred as Kishan ducked or swayed away from a short delivery by Navdeep Saini.
Kishan received attention from physio Kamlesh Jain and left the session without returning to bat.
His fitness was expected to be assessed after 24 hours of rest before the Afghanistan series.
Saini later said Kishan told him the problem was fine, although the team’s formal assessment remained pending.
- Who
- India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was injured while facing net bowler Navdeep Saini.
- What
- Kishan suffered a reported back sprain or lower-back niggle and ended his practice session early.
- When
- The incident occurred on Friday, two days before the first T20I; the first match was scheduled for Sunday, September 13.
- Where
- India’s training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
- Why
- Kishan appeared to hurt his back while ducking or swaying away from a steep short delivery.
Concerned Assessment
Reassuring Assessment
Severity of the injury
Concerned Assessment
Kishan was visibly uncomfortable, held his lower back, required treatment and could not continue batting, creating uncertainty over his availability.
Reassuring Assessment
Saini said he checked on Kishan afterward and was told that he was fine and that there was nothing to worry about.
Availability for the first T20I
Concerned Assessment
The team’s formal assessment was still pending after a 24-hour rest period, so Kishan’s participation was not confirmed.
Reassuring Assessment
Saini expressed confidence that Kishan would be alright for the opening match of the three-game series.
- Player
- Ishan Kishan
- Reported issue
- Back sprain or lower-back niggle
- Net bowler
- Navdeep Saini
- Physiotherapist
- Kamlesh Jain
- Location
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
- Assessment timeline
- Fitness expected to be assessed after 24 hours of rest
- Recent Duleep Trophy form
- 350 runs in the final against South Zone, including scores of 270 and 80
