The first match of the much-awaited three-match T20 series between India and Afghanistan is to be played on Sunday, 13 September 2026 at the historic Arun Jaitley Stadium (Kotla) in the country's capital New Delhi. Just 24 hours before this big match to be held on the home ground, Indian cricket team captain Shreyas Iyer spoke openly in the press conference about the team combination, players' fitness and strategy. The biggest headache in the Indian dressing room at the moment is to select the top order in the playing eleven. The team has three great options in the form of explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, experienced wicketkeeper batsman Sanju Samson and young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, but only two places are vacant for the opening slot in the playing eleven. The Indian captain clearly indicated to the media that this selection is going to be very challenging for the team management.
During the press conference, when captain Shreyas Iyer was asked who would open the innings against Afghanistan on the Pata pitch of Kotla, he strategically avoided opening his cards completely. Iyer said that Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and young left-handed batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi, all three are in excellent form and all three are strong contenders for opening. According to the captain, this decision will not be easy at all and it is going to prove to be a very 'tight call' for the team management. However, he expressed confidence that whichever player and combination the management will field, its ultimate goal will be to pave the way for victory by giving Team India an aggressive start. There is a discussion among cricket pundits whether the team will prefer Sanju's experience with Abhishek or will adopt the strategy of fielding the young pair of Abhishek-Vaibhav and attacking the opposition bowlers from the very first over.
There was a wave of concern in the Indian camp during the training session before the match, when wicketkeeper batsman Ishan Kishan appeared uncomfortable while batting in the nets and stopped his batting midway. After this incident, speculations started about his being out of the first T20 match. However, captain Shreyas Iyer has put an end to all these rumors and given relief news. Iyer told that after practice he had a personal conversation with Ishan Kishan and now he is feeling much better and comfortable. The captain has expressed full hope that Ishaan's problem is not serious and he will be fully available for selection for the first match against Afghanistan in Delhi.
In the press conference, important questions were also raised on the fitness of the leader of the Indian bowling attack and world number one fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and his workload management in view of the upcoming busy season. On this, captain Shreyas Iyer took a very mature stand and said that every international fast bowler understands the needs and limitations of his body best. How much bowling a player has to bowl in the nets to be match-fit and how much rest he needs depends entirely on the individual level. Iyer assured the Indian fans that Bumrah has bowled with full speed and rhythm in the practice session, he looks quite comfortable physically and is completely fit. The captain made it clear that Bumrah is fully ready to play in the first match, which is the biggest positive aspect for the Indian team.
While discussing the bowling options, captain Shreyas Iyer praised young fast bowler Yash Thakur. Iyer described him as a high-level quality fast bowler, who has proved his mettle with his sharp bowling in domestic cricket and on various pressure-filled occasions. The captain underlined that Yash Thakur has the exceptional ability to bowl with variations in the death overs and will prove to be a match-winner for the Indian team whenever he gets an opportunity at the international level. The team management is looking at him as a major fast bowling option for the future.
Captain Shreyas Iyer's face lit up when asked about his rapport with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The two giants have had a very strong and successful partnership since their days with IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Shreyas told that both of them are well aware of each other's cricketing philosophy and working style. According to the captain, Gautam Gambhir's mindset is extremely aggressive and result-oriented by nature. His biggest strength is 'one-to-one communication' i.e. direct and transparent communication with the players. The role of every player is kept very clear in the dressing room. Iyer said that as both of them spend more time with the Indian team, their synergy will take Team India to new heights at the international level.
When asked about the upcoming Asian Games, the captain said that although the team has plans for that big tournament, at present the entire focus is on winning the bilateral series against Afghanistan by an official margin. When the time comes, the best performance will be given in the Asian Games also to bring glory to the country.
Overall, three main things have become completely clear from this press conference of captain Shreyas Iyer before entering the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi:
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Tough competition for opening slot: One of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Suryavanshi may have to sit out.
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Ishan Kishan Fit: Despite discomfort in the practice session, Ishan Kishan is available for selection for the first T20.
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Bumrah fully prepared: Jasprit Bumrah looked comfortable in the nets and will lead the fast bowling in the Delhi T20 playing eleven.