New Delhi, Aug 31: India are set to receive a major boost ahead of their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy on course for a return, while Washington Sundar is nearing the fitness clearance required to make himself available for selection.
The Afghanistan series begins on September 13 in Delhi, with the men’s senior selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, expected to meet this week to pick the squad.
Reddy has been training intensively at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) and is currently operating at full capacity as he works towards a return to international cricket.
“Reddy has been training intensely at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) and operating at full capacity in order to return to international cricket,” a source tracking developments said.
Pandya has also been a regular at the CoE, with both all-rounders spending considerable time at the facility as they work on their fitness.
“Both Reddy and Pandya have been at the CoE for a very long time now and only take breaks for personal commitments,” the source said.
Sundar, meanwhile, spent the weekend in Chennai and is expected to report back to the CoE this week to prove his fitness before selection. His workload has gradually increased in recent weeks and the Afghanistan T20Is are being viewed as a practical route for his return.
“The practical target is the T20Is against Afghanistan and this will allow Washington Sundar to ease back into the set-up with the shortest format,” the source said.
“His workload has gradually increased in the last few weeks, and he could be available for selection for the three T20Is,” the source added.
The biggest question, however, remains Jasprit Bumrah’s availability. The premier pacer missed India’s two Tests against Sri Lanka earlier this month and is being handled carefully by the team management with an eye on the upcoming Test assignment against New Zealand.
Bumrah has been training at the CoE and his rehabilitation is reportedly progressing well, but his participation in the Afghanistan T20Is remains uncertain.
“Bumrah is progressing well,” the source said.
The management is also keen to ease Bumrah back into international cricket through the shortest format following his knee injury, despite the original workload plan being centred around ODIs and Tests ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
“The plan was that he would focus on ODIs and Tests but since the knee injury, the management wants to ease him back with the shortest format first,” the source said.
While the Afghanistan T20Is could come too soon for Bumrah, his participation in the Asian Games is considered highly likely if there are no setbacks in his rehabilitation.
“The Afghanistan T20Is could be too close for comfort, the Asian Games seem highly likely, provided there are no late surprises,” the source said.
Meanwhile, India could also revisit their options in the left-arm spin department. Krunal Pandya has emerged as a possible candidate after an impressive IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he claimed 14 wickets.
The team management has been exploring alternatives following India’s recent T20I outings in Ireland and England. Axar Patel, who played all seven matches, managed only four wickets across six T20Is — two against England and two against Ireland.
Krunal last played for India during the 2021 T20I series against Sri Lanka, but his recent IPL performances have brought him back into contention for a national recall.
With several key players nearing fitness and selection, India are expected to have plenty of options to strengthen their squad ahead of the Afghanistan assignment.
