Shreyas Iyer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Source: AFP)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on September 1, 2026, announced India’s 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Shreyas Iyer will continue to lead the side, while Tilak Varma has been reinstated as the vice-captain.
The squad has several interesting selections, with Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah returning to the setup.
Meanwhile, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has retained his place following an encouraging tour of Zimbabwe. Hardik Pandya, however, has missed out due to yet another injury setback.
With the Indian Premier League (IPL) continuing to be one of the biggest talent pools for India’s T20 setup, it is interesting to look at which franchises have the most representatives in the squad.
IPL Team-Wise Players In India T20 Squad vs Afghanistan
A total of 15 players from eight IPL franchises have been picked in India’s squad for the Afghanistan T20Is.
Punjab Kings have the highest representation with three players, while Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Lucknow Super Giants each have two representatives.
Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings have one player apiece, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans do not have a representative in the squad.
Punjab Kings – 3 Players
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer will continue to captain India in the series against Afghanistan in New Delhi. The right-handed batter has become an important part of India’s white-ball setup and will be responsible for leading a relatively young squad.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav Again In Captaincy Race; To Fight Shreyas Iyer
His IPL experience with Punjab Kings also adds leadership value to the franchise’s representation in the national team.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh returns to the T20I squad after being rested for the Zimbabwe tour. The left-arm pacer remains one of India’s most reliable options with the new ball and at the death.
His ability to take wickets during the powerplay and handle pressure overs makes him an important member of the squad.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been included in the squad, although his availability is subject to fitness clearance. The all-rounder’s return provides India with another seam-bowling option in the absence of Hardik Pandya.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball could prove valuable when India look to balance the playing XI.
Mumbai Indians – 2 Players
Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma will continue as India’s vice-captain for the Afghanistan series. The left-hander has established himself as a dependable middle-order option and is now being entrusted with greater responsibility.
His ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when required makes him an important part of India’s T20I batting unit.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah’s return is one of the biggest talking points of the squad announcement. The Mumbai Indians pacer has been included subject to fitness clearance.
If cleared to play, Bumrah’s presence will significantly strengthen India’s pace attack and provide invaluable experience to a relatively young bowling group.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – 2 Players
Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma remains India’s explosive opening option. The left-hander has earned a reputation for attacking from the first ball and gives India the ability to put pressure on opposition bowlers during the powerplay.
However, his performances during the Zimbabwe tour will also be closely watched as he competes for an opening spot, with Sanju Samson returning.
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan provides India with another wicketkeeper-batter option alongside Sanju Samson. The left-hander can also open the innings, giving the team flexibility at the top of the order.
His inclusion strengthens India’s options in case the selectors opt for an aggressive left-handed batter.
Rajasthan Royals – 2 Players
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson has returned to India’s T20I squad after missing the Zimbabwe tour. The wicketkeeper-batter’s experience and ability to attack spin and pace make him a valuable option in the middle order or at the top.
Also read: No Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah? India's Predicted Squad For T20I Series Vs Afghanistan
His return also creates an interesting selection battle with Ishan Kishan for the wicketkeeper’s position.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues his rapid rise after being retained in India’s squad. The Indian prodigy received his maiden India call-up on the back of his IPL 2026 exploits. He scored 776 runs in 16 matches at a staggering strike rate of 237.30, winning the prestigious Orange Cap.
The teenager impressed on the Zimbabwe tour, scoring two half-centuries after a difficult start to his international career.
Kolkata Knight Riders – 2 Players
Varun Chakaravarthy
Varun Chakaravarthy returns after recovering from injury. His variations and ability to pick up wickets through the middle overs make him an important option, particularly against Afghanistan’s aggressive batting lineup.
Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana has also been selected subject to fitness clearance. The year 2026 hasn’t been as productive for the Indian pacer, who has faced two major injuries in the span of 6 months, missing the T20 World Cup, the entire IPL season, and an ODI series against England.
Thus, if cleared to play, Rana would like to regain his form and reinstate his position in the senior white-ball squad.
Lucknow Super Giants – 2 Players
Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar has been included subject to fitness clearance. His off-spin and lower-order batting make him a useful all-round option, especially when India need flexibility in their combination.
Ravi Bishnoi
Earlier this year, Ravi Bishnoi was recalled to the India squad for the T20I series against New Zealand as a replacement for Washington Sundar. He then featured in the England T20I series, but endured a difficult outing at Old Trafford in July 2026, conceding 60 runs in four overs.
Nonetheless, the national selectors entrusted the spinner with another India opportunity in Zimbabwe, and now the 3-T20Is against Afghanistan.
Delhi Capitals – 1 Player
Axar Patel
Axar Patel is the lone Delhi Capitals representative. The left-arm spinner is one of India’s most dependable all-rounders and can contribute in multiple departments.
Also read: Undeserving Players Picked In India's T20I Squad Vs Afghanistan
Patel has retained a spot despite a dismal performance in the IPL 2026 - 173 runs and 11 wickets in 14 games. Nonetheless, his experience becomes important with Hardik Pandya unavailable for the series.
Chennai Super Kings – 1 Player
Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube is the only Chennai Super Kings player in the squad. The left-handed batter can provide power in the middle overs and also offers a part-time seam-bowling option.
His ability to clear the boundary against spin makes him an attractive T20 option.
IPL teams without a player in India’s Squad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans do not have a player in India’s 15-member squad for the Afghanistan T20Is.
India’s T20I Squad For Afghanistan
Shreyas Iyer ©, Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma (VC), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi.
Note for the readers: Four players, Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana, are subject to fitness clearance.
