Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy Cleared to Play Afghanistan T20Is
Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy have been allowed by the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) to participate in India’s three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which begins September 13, 2026. The two all-rounders were scheduled to travel to New Delhi on Thursday, September 10, to join the rest of the squad.
According to sources, both players undertook fitness tests and match simulations at the CoE facility in Bengaluru before being given the green light. The permission is a timely boost for India ahead of a series that also serves as the primary preparation period for the Asian Games.
Shreyas Iyer has been selected captain of Afghanistan’s T20I series, which will take place on September 13, 15, and 17. The series is the first bilateral T20I match between the two countries.
What injuries kept Washington Sundar and Reddy out, and how long did they miss?
Washington Sundar sabbatical from international cricket began in July 2026, when he got a hamstring injury while playing the second One-Day International against England in Cardiff. The setback forced him to miss the following Test series against Sri Lanka, keeping him away from the national team for a prolonged length of time.
Reddy’s recuperation took considerably longer. He last played for India in the home ODI series against Afghanistan in June 2026, when a left quadriceps injury flared up and worsened. Due to his injury, he was unable to participate in India’s tours of Ireland, England, and Sri Lanka during that time period. Both players have finished their rehabilitation programs at the CoE and are now eligible for selection.
What is the fitness situation for the rest of the squad heading into the series?
The availability of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana is questionable as the series approaches. Bumrah suffered a knee injury during the second ODI against England, and there is no word on whether he will be ready in time. Rana is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the England tour in July 2026. Should either fast bowler fail to pass their fitness tests, Prince Yadav has been mentioned as a possible last-minute inclusion to the squad.
Separately, Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Tilak Varma are anticipated to join the group in New Delhi once the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai is completed, with their arrival depending on when a result or draw is announced in Chepauk. Looking ahead, India will play one T20I against Japan at Sano International Cricket Ground on September 22 before defending their Asian Games gold medal at Korogi Sports Park on September 28.
