Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Play? India Predicted Playing XI For Asian Games Quarterfinal vs Afghanistan

Sooryavanshi will be in the spotlight ahead of Asian Games quarters [Source: AFP]The stage is set as the Indian men’s team will begin their Asian Games 2026 campaign directly in the quarterfinals. The Shreyas Iyer-led side will take on Afghanistan at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, and a victory will secure their place in the semis.A few days back, the Indian side played a one-off T20I game against Japan, and the Men in Blue almost suffered a shocking defeat in a low-scoring thriller. The reigning World Champions will aim to shrug off that performance as they take on Afghanistan, who certainly start as the second favourites.Ahead of the IND Vs AFG Asian Games quarterfinal fixture, we take a look at India’s predicted playing XI, with the spotlight on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.Openers and top order: Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan KishanSanju Samson: Should Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play in the Asian Games? Yes. Will he get a chance against Afghanistan? The answer is probably no. Gautam Gambhir has clearly stated that the management will give chances to those who have been doing well for India; hence, Sanju Samson will continue to be trusted at the top.Expect the Kerala batter to continue playing as an opener in the entire Asian Games 2026 tournament.Abhishek Sharma: Abhishek scored a duck against Japan in the one-off T20I, but one cannot keep him down for too long, and the southpaw will hold the key for India at the top against the Afghanistan bowling attack.Ishan Kishan: Just like Abhishek, Ishan Kishan too failed against Japan. However, the batter has been in outstanding form in 2026, and at number 3, Kishan will provide the aggressive intent the team needs on a sluggish Korogi Sports Park wicket.Middle order and all-rounders: Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington SundarShreyas Iyer: The Man of the Match against Japan, Shreyas Iyer, has done well in T20Is ever since getting appointed as the new captain. The wicket could be on the slower side, and Iyer’s game against spin could come in handy for the Men in Blue in the quarterfinals.Tilak Varma: Tilak Varma’s strike rate has been questionable in recent months, but the Indian T20I vice-captain has been given a new role in recent series (finisher), and he could be one of the designated finishers for Team India in the quarter-final clash against Afghanistan.Also Read: India's Record in Asian Games Quarterfinals Ahead of Afghanistan Match, 2026Shivam Dube: Shivam Dube has blown hot and cold in recent months, and while his batting still provides valuable output, his right-arm medium-pace bowling has come under scrutiny as he has leaked runs in T20Is. However, the management has backed him, and the all-rounder will be in the playing XI for the Asian Games quarters.Axar Patel: Axar Patel was the reason why India narrowly escaped against Japan. While his batting has been underutilised, Axar’s left-arm bowling on a sluggish wicket could be the decisive factor in the quarterfinal match against Afghanistan.Washington Sundar: Gautam Gambhir has backed Washington Sundar, and with reports that the wicket could assist the spinners, Gambhir could play Sundar, who can chip in with runs in the middle order and can also give 4 quality overs.Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi BishnoiArshdeep Singh: If India needs wickets inside the power play, Arshdeep Singh is the guy they have to turn to. His left-arm angle can create trouble for the Afghanistan batters, and the wily pacer has the ability to snatch wickets inside the first 6 overs.Jasprit Bumrah: Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the T20I game against Japan, but India won’t take that risk against Afghanistan, and the team’s best pacer will make his return to replace Yash Thakur. Bumrah can ball in all three phases of the game and will be India’s trump card to win the tournament.Ravi Bishnoi: Varun Chakaravarthy would have been the first-choice spinner in the Asian Games. However, he was ruled out of the tournament, and that has opened the door for Ravi Bishnoi to take that spot. Alongside Axar and Sundar, Bishnoi will be the third spinner in the playing XI for India in the Asian Games quarters.India's predicted playing XI for Asian Games quarterfinal vs AfghanistanSanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Yash Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep SinghAlso Read: Virat Kohli Labels Shubman Gill’s India Better Than MS Dhoni's Team