India Squad Announced For Afghanistan T20Is: Bumrah, Samson Back, Hardik Pandya Misses Out

India have opted for a blend of experience and youth for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with Jasprit Bumrah returning to the squad and Hardik Pandya once again missing from the team. Shreyas Iyer will continue as captain, while Tilak Varma has been named his deputy. The 15-member squad also includes teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who impressed during India's recent T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Bumrah's return is the biggest development from the selection meeting. The premier fast bowler has been included despite recent injury concerns, but the BCCI has made his participation subject to fitness clearance.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana are also in the same category. If cleared, Bumrah will spearhead a pace attack that also includes Arshdeep Singh and Rana.