AFG vs IND 2026: 3 players who could be surprise inclusions in T20I

India are gearing up for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with the opening game scheduled to be played in Delhi on September 13, 2026. With the senior selection committee expected to name the squad this week, attention has turned to which players could make the cut.

While several established names are likely to feature, recent domestic performances and fitness updates from the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru could open the door for a few surprise selections ahead of the all-important assignment against Afghanistan.

Here are 3 players who could be unexpected inclusions for AFG vs IND T20I series:

3. Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the right-handed batting all-rounder who bowls right-arm medium-fast, made his T20I debut on October 6, 2024, against Bangladesh. His last T20I appearance came on January 22, 2025, against England, and he has since been on the fringes of the national setup.

Both Reddy and Hardik Pandya have been declared fit following training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Reddy, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and Andhra in domestic cricket, was also part of India's squad for the only Test against Afghanistan in June 2026 in New Chandigarh. At 23 years old, he brings a combination of batting depth and medium-fast bowling that could appeal to the selectors for the T20I format.