Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was once again left waiting for his chance as India opted not to alter their top order for the third T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday (September 17). Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer, however, confirmed that Arshdeep Singh has been rested for the match, with Yash Thakur replacing him as India were asked to bat first.
India have already wrapped up the T20I series, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead with two wins.
Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Is Not Playing?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been left out of the playing XI once again. When Shreyas Iyer was asked about the changes to the team, there was plenty of anticipation around Vaibhav’s inclusion. However, the youngster has been overlooked again.
Sanju Samson retains his place in the XI after his match-winning knock in the previous game. Following India’s win on September 15, Shreyas had hinted at changes to the playing XI ahead of the team’s title defence at the Asian Games. However, Vaibhav has once again missed out.
India Vs Afghanistan, 3rd T20I 2026: Toss Update
Afghanistan have won the toss and have opted to bowl first.
India Vs Afghanistan, 3rd T20I 2026: Playing XIs
India: Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Yash Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran(c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sediqullah Atal, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Darwish Rasooli, Noor ul Rahman, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi
