There's a toss-up between Samson and Sooryavanshi [Source- AFP]India had an outstanding start to the T20I series against Afghanistan. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the Men in Blue convincingly swatted aside their Afghan counterparts by seven wickets, taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the Indian team restricted Afghanistan to a modest 156-run total. Although Sanju Samson departed early, Abhishek Sharma hammered a blistering half-century and formed a pivotal stand with Ishan Kishan to guide India to glory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. As the Men in Blue eye an unassailable lead in the series, here's the India predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan for the second T20I in Delhi. Openers and top order: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan KishanSanju SamsonSwashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson got the Indian team management's backing for Abhishek Sharma's opening partner. Although India picked him over teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson couldn't capitalise on the opportunity and was dismissed for just 10 runs in the first T20I and earned backlash from the fans on social media. In fact, Sanju Samson has managed only 43 runs in his last five T20I innings at a mediocre average of 8.6. However, India's team selection for the first T20I against Afghanistan showed that they would prefer Sanju Samson's experience over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's potential for the time being. Therefore, despite his lean run, Sanju Samson is expected to get another chance to prove himself, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi likely to warm the bench for the second consecutive time in the series. Abhishek SharmaDestructive opening batter Abhishek Sharma regained his mojo with an electrifying fifty in the first T20I. Abhishek, who had a torrid run, thanks to his nemesis Blessing Muzarabani, in Zimbabwe, smashed 82 runs off just 32 balls, playing a significant role in India's clinical triumph. Therefore, Abhishek Sharma is one of the most certain names in the India predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan for the second T20I at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Ishan KishanIshan Kishan has redeemed himself remarkably, amassing 854 runs in 24 T20I innings at an average of 35.58 and a blistering strike rate of 173.58 in 2026. As Ishan clobbered a quick-fire knock of 42 runs in the first T20I, he retains his spot as the number three batter in the India predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan for 2nd T20I. Middle order and all-rounders: Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar PatelShreyas IyerIndian T20I captain Shreyas Iyer showcased excellent batting form in England and Zimbabwe, scoring 298 runs in eight innings combined. Iyer didn't get enough deliveries to bat in the first match, and he would be keen to make an impact if the Indian top-order fails to deliver in the second T20I. Tilak VarmaStylish left-handed batter Tilak Varma has worked on his scoring rate, amassing 184 runs in his last nine T20I innings at a superb strike rate of 160. Like Shreyas Iyer, Tilak barely got four deliveries to bat and will retain his place in the India predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan for 2nd T20I. Also Read: Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma’s Rampage In Delhi Sends Records TumblingNitish Kumar ReddyYoung allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy made his comeback after a long injury layoff. The first T20I against Afghanistan was forgettable for the cricketer, as he conceded 30 runs in his two-over spell. However, in Hardik Pandya's absence, Nitish Kumar Reddy will continue as India's first-choice seam-bowling allrounder in the Afghanistan series. Shivam DubeSwashbuckling left-hander Shivam Dube is among India's five highest run-scorers in T20Is since 2024 with 975 runs at an average of 30.46 and a strike rate of 155. Dube didn't get a chance to bat in the first match and is among the certainties in the India predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan for 2nd T20I. Axar PatelLeft-arm spinner Axar Patel was chosen ahead of Washington Sundar in the first T20I. As he bowled an economical spell and scalped the crucial wicket of Gulbadin Naib for 27 runs in 4 overs, Axar Patel is included in the India predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan for 2nd T20I.Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun ChakaravarthyArshdeep SinghLeft-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh derailed Afghanistan with a fiery spell of 3 for 19 in the first match and is expected to open the bowling in the second game of the series. Jasprit BumrahVeteran fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah made a fine comeback to T20Is, joining Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar on the list of bowlers with 350 T20 wickets in the first match. As another win will lead India to a series victory, Jasprit Bumrah keeps his place in the India predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan for 2nd T20I. Varun ChakaravarthyVarun Chakaravarthy bowled magnificently in the first game, conceding only 16 runs and picking up the wicket of Darwish Rasooli in his four-over spell. Therefore, he will likely continue to lead the Indian spin attack in the Afghanistan T20Is. India predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan- 2nd T20I, 2026Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun ChakaravarthyAlso Read: Women’s Asia Cup Winners List With Captains From 2004 To 2026
