India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Bumrah Returns as Shreyas Iyer’s India Begin New Chapter in Delhi

India and Afghanistan begin their three-match T20I series in Delhi, with Jasprit Bumrah’s return and Shreyas Iyer’s leadership among the biggest talking points.

India’s T20I campaign enters another important phase as India take on Afghanistan in the first match of a three-game series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The series is being played in India but is officially hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, and all three matches are scheduled to take place at the same Delhi venue on September 13, 15 and 17. ACB

The opening match has already produced one of the biggest talking points before the contest could properly settle into its rhythm, with India winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. More importantly for Indian supporters, Jasprit Bumrah has returned to the T20I playing XI, giving the bowling attack a major boost after his recent absence. Captain Shreyas Iyer had already indicated that Bumrah needs game time and confidence after returning from his injury layoff, making this series particularly important for the experienced fast bowler. The Statesman

Jasprit Bumrah Returns to T20I Cricket

Bumrah’s return is arguably the biggest individual storyline surrounding the first T20I. His ability to bowl with control during the powerplay, attack the stumps in the middle overs and deliver under pressure at the death has made him one of India’s most important white-ball players, and his presence gives the Indian attack an experienced leader at a time when the team is preparing for the Asian Games.

The Indian management will also be interested in how quickly Bumrah can regain his rhythm and workload after his injury-related absence. For the player himself, these matches provide valuable competitive cricket rather than simply being another series on the calendar, while for India they offer an opportunity to assess the balance of the bowling unit ahead of bigger assignments.

Shreyas Iyer Begins Another Important Phase as Captain

Shreyas Iyer is leading India in T20Is, and this series gives him another opportunity to establish his authority in the format. His captaincy period has not had the smoothest beginning, with India experiencing difficult results on their recent tours before finding some momentum against Zimbabwe. The Afghanistan series therefore arrives at an important moment, particularly because India are looking to build a settled combination ahead of the Asian Games. The Times of India

Iyer now has a stronger group of established players around him, and the Afghanistan series could help India decide which combinations are most reliable when the pressure increases. T20 cricket often gives very little time to recover from a poor start, meaning decisions over opening combinations, bowling changes and finishing options can have a major influence on the outcome.

Sanju Samson Gets the Nod

Another important selection decision has already attracted attention. Sanju Samson has been selected ahead of young batting prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the opening T20I. Sooryavanshi has generated considerable excitement with his performances in recent domestic and international cricket, but the team management has opted for Samson in the first match. The Times of India

The decision highlights the depth available to Indian cricket at the moment, because the competition for places is no longer limited to a handful of established names. India can choose between experience and youth depending on the conditions, opposition and long-term plans, and that competition could become increasingly important as the Asian Games approach.

Afghanistan Bring a Strong Challenge

Afghanistan are not expected to be an easy opponent, particularly in the shortest format, where their experienced spin attack can put considerable pressure on opposing batting line-ups. Ibrahim Zadran leads the Afghan side, while players such as Rashid Khan and other experienced members of the squad provide Afghanistan with the kind of T20 expertise that can change a match within a few overs. Jansatta

The unusual nature of this series also adds an interesting layer to the contest. Although the matches are being played in Delhi, Afghanistan are officially hosting the series, meaning India are technically playing as the visiting side at a venue where they normally have the comfort of familiar surroundings. The unusual arrangement is linked to logistical circumstances surrounding the BRICS Summit in the capital. The Indian Express

A Series That Matters Beyond the Scoreboard

On paper, India versus Afghanistan might appear to be another bilateral T20I series, but there is more at stake than simply winning three matches. India are using the series as part of their preparation for the upcoming Asian Games 2026, giving the team an opportunity to test combinations, assess returning players and develop a clearer understanding of the squad they want going forward. Herald Goa

For Afghanistan, meanwhile, the series represents another opportunity to compete against one of the strongest teams in international cricket and to test their players against high-quality opposition in conditions that can challenge both their batting and bowling units.

India vs Afghanistan: What to Watch

The biggest question for India will be how effectively the team can combine experience with emerging talent. Bumrah’s return provides leadership with the ball, Iyer has another opportunity to grow into his captaincy role, while the selection of Samson demonstrates that the competition for places remains intense.

For Afghanistan, the challenge will be to withstand India’s bowling attack early and then use their experienced players to put pressure on the Indian batting order. In a T20 match, momentum can change very quickly, and Afghanistan have enough quality to punish India if the home side loses control during a crucial phase.

The first T20I therefore represents much more than the opening game of a three-match series. It is another step in India’s preparation for the next major phase of their T20 cricket, while Afghanistan have the opportunity to create a significant statement against a strong Indian side.

With Bumrah back, Iyer leading, Samson returning and the Asian Games on the horizon, the India-Afghanistan series has plenty of storylines to follow even before the final result is known. The second T20I will be played in Delhi on September 15, followed by the third and final match on September 17. ACB