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Afghanistan and India are set to lock horns in a three-match T20I series in New Delhi from September 13 to 17, with all three games scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. While the two teams boast plenty of batting firepower, the battle between their bowling attacks could ultimately decide which side gains the upper hand.
India have named a strong squad for the series, with Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi among their bowling options. However, Bumrah’s participation remains subject to fitness clearance, adding an element of uncertainty to India’s pace attack.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, will rely heavily on their world-class spin attack. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Nangyal Kharoti give the visitors considerable variety, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq provide quality in the pace department.
Here are 3 bowlers to watch out for in AFG vs IND T20Is 2026:
It is almost impossible to discuss Afghanistan’s bowling attack without starting with Rashid Khan. The leg-spinner remains the biggest threat in their lineup and has established himself as one of the most accomplished T20 bowlers in world cricket.
Rashid’s ability to bowl quickly through the air, disguise his googly and attack the stumps makes him a nightmare for batters who try to dominate spin. His record is a testament to that consistency, with the leg-spinner having claimed 180 T20I wickets for Afghanistan as of the latest available records.
His battle against India’s aggressive middle order could be one of the major storylines of the series. India have players capable of taking on spin, but Rashid’s variations make it difficult for batters to simply line him up for big shots.
The Delhi surface could also make his role particularly important. If the pitch offers even a hint of grip, Rashid can become extremely difficult to attack during the middle overs. Afghanistan will expect their premier spinner to deliver wickets while simultaneously putting the brakes on India’s scoring rate.
With Ibrahim Zadran taking over as Afghanistan’s T20I captain, Rashid’s experience will also be invaluable. He remains the bowler Afghanistan will turn to when they need a breakthrough.
If he receives fitness clearance, Jasprit Bumrah could be the most important bowler in India’s attack.
Bumrah has been included in India’s squad for the series, although his participation is subject to fitness clearance after his recent injury layoff. The selectors have also named Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana among the pace options.
The Indian fast bowler brings a unique skill set to T20 cricket. His ability to generate movement with the new ball, combine an unusual release point with relentless accuracy and deliver yorkers at the death makes him one of the most difficult bowlers to score against.
His matchup with Afghanistan’s explosive opening pair could be particularly fascinating. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is an aggressive batter who likes to take the initiative during the powerplay, while Ibrahim Zadran provides greater stability at the top. Bumrah’s ability to challenge both batters with different plans could have a major impact on Afghanistan’s starts.
The death overs could be another area where Bumrah’s presence becomes decisive. Afghanistan possess plenty of power through their middle order, with Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib capable of accelerating quickly. Bumrah’s variations and accuracy could therefore be vital in preventing Afghanistan from finishing their innings strongly.
However, his fitness will be the first factor to monitor. If cleared to play, he immediately becomes one of the biggest threats in the series.
Arshdeep Singh completes the list and could have an especially important role if Bumrah is unavailable or managed carefully during the series.
The left-arm seamer gives India something different from their other pace options. His ability to swing the new ball away from right-handed batters, combined with his experience of bowling at the death, makes him a valuable T20I specialist.
Arshdeep’s role could become even more significant against Afghanistan’s batting lineup. Gurbaz and Zadran are likely to provide the visitors with an aggressive opening combination, while Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli add further batting depth.
The left-armer’s ability to bowl hard lengths and nail yorkers could help India contain Afghanistan during the final overs. He can also be used tactically during the powerplay to target the outside edge of Afghanistan’s right-handed batters.
With India also carrying Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi in the squad, Arshdeep could form part of an attack that offers a useful combination of left-arm pace and quality spin.
His performance could therefore be crucial regardless of Bumrah’s availability.
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