India look for perfect opening combination and T20I momentum

India men's cricket team will return to the shortest format of the game after a brief foray into Test cricket. 

The stakes are high as India will take on Afghanistan in Delhi, before travelling to Japan for the Asian Games. They're also set to feature against Japan in a one-off T20I before the Asian Games begin.

The next few weeks remain important as Shreyas Iyer & co. seek to regain their momentum in the format. After winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 earlier this year, the side succumbed to a shocking series loss in Ireland before losing to England 4-1. This was, however, followed by success against Zimbabwe. 

Speaking ahead of the first T20I against Afghanistan, Shreyas remained focused on the task at hand, understanding the importance of the matches ahead. 

"We'll take it game by game; we won't think too far into the future. We know that Afghanistan is a nice team, but our preparation has also been promising."

Shreyas added that while repeating the feat of winning a gold medal in the Asian Games remained a priority, the side was looking to focus on their processes. 

"We're looking forward to a great competition, and fingers crossed, we'll deliver to the best of our capabilities."

The Indian skipper emphasised on how representing India as a nation was a proud moment for him and the side, while adding that the Japan contest will be a milestone in cricket's history.

"Exciting times. First match, (before the games) we'll face against Japan. That is going to be a historic one. Sharing relationships with the hockey players and other Olympic athletes who'll be there. 

"Definitely would be a great interaction. Probably go to one of the games and cheer for them. We're going as a whole nation."

India's top-order will be a crucial component in their quest to become a dominant force again. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are locked in a three-way contest for the opening slots.

While Samson was the star of India's Men's T20 World Cup triumph, his form fell away since then and the batter has only scored 33 runs off four innings. Abhishek Sharma shrugged off early struggles in the T20 World Cup to contribute in the final, but has since added just 191 runs from 10 innings. 

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, all but 15, struggled during his debut outing in England but eventually regained his stride against Zimbabwe.

For Iyer, all three remained a viable option, and he hoped that the selected batters did justice to their selection.

"Having all three of them in the team is a luxury. They are flawless in their own departments. Well, it is going to be a tight call, since they've been performing consistently. Whoever gets the opportunity (out of these three), it is for team's benefit.

Iyer also added that it was imperative for the team management to keep the conversations going with the batter who misses out in the XI.

"And whoever, sits outside, I have the responsiblity as a captain, alongside the coach, to have that conversation, to give them confidence, that no matter what you'll get your opportunity when the day comes."

Iyer also added that Bumrah's comeback into the national side adds another dimension to the squad. 

With the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 on the horizon, the fitness of India's key bowler becomes crucial to the side's prospects at the event.

But for Iyer, 'playing time' for a player was equally important.

"As a player gets out of the injury, it's important that he gets game time. And you need that kind of confidence when you're coming into the game. He's played so much cricket.

"He's immensely experienced, but if you ask me as an individual who's come out of an injury, you need more game time and more confidence leading up to a certain tournament. And I interacted with him yesterday, and he's of the mindset that he wants to come in and perform for the team, and see to it that we win championships."

Afghanistan-India series schedule*

13 September - 1st T20I
15 September - 2nd T20I
17 September - 3rd T20I

*All three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi