Both all-rounders successfully completed their fitness tests and match simulations at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru before being cleared to join the national squad. They are expected to travel to New Delhi on Thursday, September 10, to link up with their teammates.
Their return comes at an important time for India, with the Afghanistan series serving as a key preparation window ahead of the Asian Games.
According to reports, a BCCI source confirmed that both players have completed their rehabilitation and are now fully fit to compete.
Shreyas Iyer will lead India in the three-match series, with the games scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17. The series will mark the first bilateral T20I contest between India and Afghanistan.
Sundar and Reddy Return After Injury Layoffs
Washington Sundar had been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during the second ODI against England in Cardiff in July 2026. The injury also ruled him out of India’s subsequent Test series against Sri Lanka.
Nitish Kumar Reddy faced a longer spell on the sidelines after suffering a left quadriceps injury. His last appearance for India came during the home ODI series against Afghanistan in June 2026. The injury subsequently kept him out of India’s tours of Ireland, England and Sri Lanka.
Both players have now completed their rehabilitation programmes at the BCCI CoE and are available for selection.
India Await Fitness Updates on Bumrah and Rana
India are still awaiting definitive fitness updates on Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana ahead of the Afghanistan series.
Bumrah suffered a knee injury during the second ODI against England, while Rana has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the England tour. If either pacer is ruled out, Prince Yadav could be considered as a replacement.
Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Tilak Varma are expected to join the Indian squad after the conclusion of the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai.
India will then face Japan in a solitary T20I on September 22 before beginning their Asian Games gold-medal defence on September 28.
