Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to play 3rd T20I vs AFG? Shreyas Iyer reveals India’s plan
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be in line to return to India’s playing XI when they face Afghanistan in the third T20I on Thursday. With India having already wrapped up the series, captain Shreyas Iyer hinted that the team could use the last match to rotate the squad and give bench players valuable match time.
India take elusive 2-0 lead with seven-wicket win in second T20I in Delhito bowl out Afghanistan’s 159/8 in just 14.5 overs. In his post-match speech, Iyer stressed the importance of the players waiting on the sidelines getting used to the conditions.
AFG vs IND 2nd T20I: Highlights | Scorecard
“We definitely want everyone to get used to the wicket and get some practice so it will be a good opportunity to give the guys who are sitting a chance,” Iyer said.
The comment could pave the way for Sooryavanshi, who has been left out of the XI ever since Sanju Samson returned to the side. The 15-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough tour of Zimbabwe where he made his international debut and was named player of the series, but has had to wait for another opportunity since Samson’s return.
SOORYAVANSHI COULD COME BACK
Sooryavanshi and Samson are yet to feature together in the India XI. The teenager played all three matches in Zimbabwe only after Samson was left out, while Samson has occupied the starting position since his return to the team.
However, Samson’s performance in the second T20I complicated the equation. The wicketkeeper batsman responded to a disappointing first outing with a magnificent 57 off 22 balls, smashing seven fours and four sixes as India raced to 82/0 in the Powerplay. His strike helped set up a comfortable chase and reminded the management of his ability to dominate in Indian conditions.
Abhishek Sharma also played a brisk 39 off 19 balls as the opening pair put India firmly in control before Rashid Khan broke the stand. Samson’s knock was eventually ended by Rashid, but Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 38 took India over the line in 31 balls.
With the series already decided, India could still explore a combination with Samson and Sooryavanshi. One possible route would be to rest Abhishek and allow the teenage batter to open alongside Samson, although Iyer’s comments only suggest that changes are being considered rather than confirming the XI.
IYER FOCUSES ON CAPTAINCY START
Iyer also reflected on the difficult start to his tenure as India’s T20I captain. India suffered series defeats against Ireland and England before securing their first series win under him against Afghanistan.
“Yes, sure. It was a tough pill to swallow in the beginning, but the journey will always be a rollercoaster,” Iyer said.
The captain stressed the importance of maintaining balance and refusing to dwell on past failures.
“You have to be as balanced as possible and make sure you enjoy the moment and don’t think too much about what happened in the past. I’ve said this in my previous interviews, the more you accept the situation, the better it will be,” he added.
The second T20I also saw Nitish Kumar Reddy produce an impressive spell of 3/24 as India restricted Afghanistan to 159/8. With the series secured, the third T20I could now become an opportunity for Sooryavanshi and other players waiting for their chance to gain valuable international exposure.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
16 Sep 2026 09:01 IST