India Name Four Unfit Players for Afghanistan T20Is

India have named four unfit players awaiting fitness clearance in their squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana all subject to fitness clearance.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad on September 1, with an asterisk placed next to all four names. The board’s official note states that the four players are subject to fitness clearance before they can be considered fully available for the series.

The decision adds an important fitness subplot to India’s preparations for the Afghanistan series, with the first T20I scheduled for September 13 in Delhi.

Four Players Yet to Receive Clearance

Jasprit Bumrah in conversation with support staff as his selection remains subject to clearance alongside three other players.

Jasprit Bumrah is the biggest name among the four players awaiting approval.

The premier India fast bowler has been included in the squad despite his fitness status still requiring clearance. His presence would provide India with significant experience and quality in the pace department if he is cleared in time for the series.

Washington Sundar is also among the unfit players selected by the BCCI. The all-rounder’s inclusion gives India the option of strengthening both their batting and bowling combinations should he receive the medical green light.

Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been named in the squad subject to fitness clearance. His ability to contribute as an all-rounder makes him another important option for India’s T20I plans.

Harshit Rana completes the group. The young fast bowler has also been selected with his availability dependent on the required fitness clearance.

The BCCI has not ruled any of the four players out. Instead, their inclusion leaves the door open for them to join India’s preparations if they successfully clear the necessary fitness assessment.

India Keep Their Options Open

The decision to include four unfit players allows the selectors to maintain flexibility ahead of the series.

Rather than naming replacements immediately, India have retained the quartet in their squad while their fitness is assessed. This could prove valuable if all four are cleared before the opening match.

At the same time, the selection means India’s final combination cannot yet be considered certain.

If any of the four players fail to receive clearance, the team management will have to assess its available options before the first T20I.

Shreyas Iyer Named Captain

While the fitness situation is the biggest talking point, there are several other notable decisions in India’s squad.

Shreyas Iyer has been named captain, with Tilak Varma appointed vice-captain. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are the two wicketkeeping options in the squad.

India have also included teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, alongside Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel.

The bowling group features Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and the four players whose availability remains subject to fitness clearance.

Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, has been left out as he continues his recovery from injury.

India vs Afghanistan T20I Schedule

The three-match series will be played entirely in Delhi.

1st T20I: September 13 — Delhi
2nd T20I: September 15 — Delhi
3rd T20I: September 17 — Delhi

That gives the four players a limited window to complete their fitness requirements before the opening match.

India’s Full Squad

Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma (VC), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar*, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah*, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana*.

*Subject to fitness clearance.

Fitness Now Becomes the Key Question

India’s selection of four unfit players makes fitness one of the biggest questions heading into the Afghanistan series.