Washington Sundar Gets Green Light Ahead of Afghanistan Series
India have received a timely fitness boost ahead of their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with all-rounder Washington Sundar cleared to play.
Sundar had originally been named in the 15-member squad subject to fitness clearance. His availability removes one of the uncertainties surrounding a squad in which four players — Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy — were initially selected conditionally.
The series begins on September 13 at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, with the remaining matches scheduled for September 15 and 17. All three games will be played at the same venue.
Jasprit Bumrah Still Awaiting Final Clearance
The bigger fitness question concerns Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah is expected to undergo match simulation on September 9, after which a final decision on his participation is expected. While Sundar has received clearance, Bumrah has yet to complete this crucial stage of his return.
The fast bowler has not played since suffering a knee injury during India’s ODI series in England in July. The setback subsequently kept him out of the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka.
His inclusion against Afghanistan was therefore always conditional. The selectors named him in the squad with the expectation that his recovery would progress sufficiently before the series.
With the opening T20I only days away, the September 9 assessment should provide clarity over whether India can bring their premier fast bowler straight back into international action.
Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy Reports Also Awaited
Bumrah is not the only player whose availability is unresolved.
Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy have undergone fitness tests and match simulations, but their final clearance is still pending. Reports on both players are expected alongside the Bumrah update on September 9.
The situation leaves India with three players still awaiting definitive clearance after Sundar's successful return.
Reddy has been recovering from a quadriceps injury, while Rana has also dealt with injury interruptions. Their availability matters because both provide pace-bowling options while adding depth beyond India's specialist bowlers.
Why Washington Sundar’s Return Matters
Sundar gives India a useful tactical option because of his ability to contribute both as an off-spinner and a lower-order batter.
His clearance is particularly valuable with the selectors attempting to settle combinations ahead of another major assignment later this month. The squad selected for the Afghanistan series is also the squad due to represent India at the Asian Games in Japan, where the men's cricket competition begins on September 24.
That makes the Afghanistan series more than an isolated bilateral contest. It provides competitive preparation before the team moves into its Asian Games campaign.
India Opt for Strong Squad After Recent T20I Setbacks
India have selected a strong group for the Afghanistan series following a difficult run in T20 internationals.
Shreyas Iyer will captain the side, with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain. Sanju Samson has returned to the squad, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi retains his place. Ishan Kishan is the other wicketkeeping option.
The bowling group includes Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and, subject to clearance, Bumrah and Rana.
Hardik Pandya is not part of the squad as he continues his recovery from injury.
India Squad for Afghanistan T20Is
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana*.**
*Availability subject to fitness clearance. Washington Sundar, who was originally selected subject to fitness, has subsequently been cleared.
September 9 Becomes Key Date for India
With Sundar available, attention now shifts firmly to Bumrah, Rana and Reddy.
Bumrah's match simulation is the most closely watched of those assessments because of his importance to India's pace attack and the careful management required when bringing a frontline fast bowler back from injury.
A successful assessment would strengthen India's bowling resources not only for the Afghanistan series but also ahead of the Asian Games. Until the final fitness report is issued, however, Bumrah's participation should be regarded as pending rather than confirmed.
