Afghanistan have handed Ibrahim Zadran the duty of main the nationwide crew in T20Is, with the opener set to start his tenure as full-time captain in the course of the upcoming three-match sequence in opposition to India. The task marks an vital step in Zadran’s worldwide profession as Afghanistan put together to face a robust Indian aspect in New Delhi.
The three matches shall be performed on the Arun Jaitley Stadium between September 13 and 17. The sequence has been designated as Afghanistan’s residence sequence, including significance to the competition regardless of all three video games being staged in India.
Naveen-ul-Haq returns after damage
One of many greatest boosts for Afghanistan comes within the type of Naveen-ul-Haq‘s return to the squad. The quick bowler has recovered from a stress fracture in his proper shoulder, an damage that saved him out of Afghanistan’s T20I sequence in opposition to the West Indies in addition to the 2026 T20 World Cup. Naveen’s comeback offers Afghanistan one other skilled choice within the tempo division. He’ll be a part of Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Azmatullah Omarzai, giving the crew a assorted assault able to difficult India’s batting lineup. His return additionally supplies Afghanistan with larger flexibility within the loss of life overs, the place his capability to bowl below stress may show notably invaluable.
Skilled core retained
Afghanistan have opted for a robust squad that blends established worldwide names with rising expertise. Gulbadin Naib is again within the setup, providing further expertise within the center order in addition to one other helpful bowling choice. The spin division stays considered one of Afghanistan’s greatest strengths. Rashid Khan will spearhead the assault alongside Noor Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi additionally stays a part of the squad, bringing years of worldwide expertise and invaluable steadiness to the crew. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is predicted to stay an vital determine on the prime of the order, whereas Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli present additional batting choices.
Additionally READ: Prime 5 youngest Indian batters to achieve 3,000 Check runs ft. Shubman Gill
Noor Rahman earns maiden call-up
One other notable inclusion is uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman. The teen has been rewarded for his performances in home cricket, the Shpageeza Cricket League and at A-team stage. Rahman has been chosen because the second wicketkeeper behind Gurbaz, giving Afghanistan further depth within the place and a chance to evaluate a promising participant in opposition to high-quality opposition.
With a mix of skilled campaigners and rising stars, Afghanistan will hope the squad could make a robust assertion in opposition to India. For Zadran, in the meantime, the sequence represents his first main alternative to determine himself because the long-term chief of Afghanistan’s T20I aspect.
Afghanistan squad for India T20I sequence: Ibrahim Zadran (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq.
Reserves: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Additionally READ: Afghanistan unveil Asian Video games 2026 squad; Darwish Rasooli named captain
