Star pacer returns for India in Afghanistan T20Is

India have named a 15-member squad for their upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, with star pacer Jasprit Bumrah included subject to fitness clearance.

The three-match series will be played entirely in Delhi, with the opening T20I scheduled for 13 September. The remaining matches will take place on 15 and 17 September.

Afghanistan have already named their squad for the series.

India have retained the majority of the squad that toured Ireland and England.

Squad:

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

*Subject to fitness clearance

The top-order options remain largely unchanged, with Shreyas Iyer set to lead the side. Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are among the batting options in the squad.

Bumrah's inclusion is a major boost, although his availability remains subject to fitness clearance. The fast bowler missed the third ODI against England and was also absent from India's recent Test tour of Sri Lanka.

Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have also been included, subject to fitness. Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy sustained hamstring injuries during the third T20I against England, while Nitish had been sidelined with a quadriceps injury and Sundar had been recovering from a leg injury.

India have several all-round options in Axar Patel, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube, while Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi bolster the spin department. Arshdeep Singh is also included among the fast-bowling options.

The defending ICC Men's T20 World Cup champions will be looking to return to winning ways after difficult recent T20I tours. India lost their series against Ireland 2-0 before suffering a 4-0 defeat in England, although they found success in Zimbabwe.

The Afghanistan series offers India's T20I side an opportunity to regroup in familiar conditions.