Injured India cricketers jasprit bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddyand Washington Sundar have been named in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan.
Bumrah and Sundar were injured during the second ODI vs England in Cardiff. Rana, on the other hand, hasn’t played since the second T20I against England, and Nitish has been out since the Chennai ODI against Afghanistan.
According to TOI, the four players will be playing a few simulation matches at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence from the 4th to 9th September. It is a parameter to judge their fitness levels, as they have a history of injury issues.
“The medical team at the CoE shared their reports with the selectors last week, clearing the four players. However, the panel also highlighted the need for them to play a few practice games. After their report, a few practice matches have been lined up, and the CoE is confident that the players will be fit for the T20I series vs Afghanistan,” a BCCI source told TOI.
Hardik Pandyawho was on the verge of getting fit, was impacted by a new niggle. The 32-year-old was told to pause bowling after niggles in his leg. Pandya’s last game for India was the T20 World Cup final on 8th March.
The selection panel named the quartet in the team, but their availability is subject to fitness. It will be interesting to see the fitness levels of the cricketers in these simulation games ahead of a busy calendar.
BCCI wants Bumrah to play a first-class game before the New Zealand series
Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t played Test cricket since late 2025, and he was ruled out before the Sri Lanka series. The Indian board wants the seamer to play one first-class game before the team is announced for the New Zealand tour.
“Bumrah missed Test cricket because of his fitness. He has to make sure that his knee can take the load of playing a first-class game before heading to New Zealand. A call will be taken on whether he plays in the Ranji Trophy or turns up for India A against New Zealand. He is likely to be rested for the ODI series vs. the West Indies,” a BCCI source added.