India’s three-match T20 series against Afghanistan starts on Sunday, but captain Shreyas Iyer already has a difficult first lineup decision. The central question is whether to reward Sanju Samson’s experience or hand Vaibhav Suryavanshi another opportunity. Gautam Gambhir and Iyer must also consider how the choice fits India’s preparations before the Asian Games in Japan, where both batters are in contention for an even look. The answer will shape not only Sunday’s XI but also the combination India carries toward Japan.
Both batters have already received their chances
During the England trip, Suryavanshi was picked in the playing XI ahead of Samson. The order was reversed for the final match, with Samson getting the nod over Suryavanshi. Samson has also formed a successful T20 pairing with Abhishek Sharma, adding weight to his claim. His omission after three unsuccessful innings looked harsh, even though the team chose Suryavanshi amid growing excitement and public demand. Management has repeatedly maintained that outside voices do not influence its decisions. This reversal shows that neither player’s case has disappeared. Against Afghanistan, however, there is no Bumrah-like bowler, so Suryavanshi should not face the same difficulty even if he cannot use his footwork extensively.
Friday practice gives Samson a stronger signal
Samson’s batting looked more composed than Suryavanshi’s during Friday’s practice session. Suryavanshi needed time to settle against Jasprit Bumrah because the pitch was assisting the pacer. His difficulty may also reflect an adjustment period after three consecutive red-ball matches. Samson’s composure is an important point in his favour, although one session alone cannot settle the selection debate. Because Suryavanshi has already been selected over Samson on the trip, Friday’s performance has to be weighed alongside that earlier decision rather than read in isolation.
Ishan’s injury could create room for both
If Ishan Kishan is unable to play the first match, both Samson and Suryavanshi could be included. Ishan suffered a back injury during Friday’s net practice. His scores in the Dileep Trophy final were 270 and 80. He will be eager to play because he has become a regular in this format for India. If Ishan is available, the central Samson-Suryavanshi choice remains; if he is ruled out, India will have room to accommodate both.
Afghanistan’s attack offers an Asian Games rehearsal
The series is an important and valuable preparation opportunity before the Asian Games in Japan. Afghanistan’s leading spin options include Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq are among the pace bowlers, while Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai offer all-rounder options. This mix of spin, pace and all-round capabilities gives India several combinations to assess. Facing that group will provide a useful test before the team heads into the Asian Games.
All-rounder trust will shape the bowling lineup
The top-order question is only one part of Gambhir’s selection task. His greater trust in all-rounders makes Axar Patel and Washington Sundar the more likely options. India must then decide whether to use Varun Chakravarthy as the third spinner or give Yash Thakur a place as an additional fast bowler. Choosing Varun would add a third specialist spinner, while selecting Yash would provide another pace option. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace group alongside all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Squads for India and Afghanistan
- India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravi Bishnoi, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, Yash Thakur.
- Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Noor ul Rahman, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Nangialia Kharote.
