SourceStart time corrected to 19:30 IST on 13 Sep 2026 from current Cricbuzz match information and NDTV schedule report: https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scores/170103/afg-vs-ind-1st-t20i-afghanistan-vs-india-in-india-2026 ; https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-afghanistan-2026/india-vs-afghanistan-t20i-series-full-schedule-live-streaming-telecast-and-more-12039914 ; Broadcaster cross-check: https://www.fancode.com/cricket/tour/india-tour-of-afghanistan-2026-19817039/matches ; Opening-role discussion: https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/140156/bumrah-returns-but-so-do-indias-questions
Not a locked XI. Names wait for both playing elevens. Lock in RS9 GAME.
Order of work
Start: 19:30 IST, Arun Jaitley Stadium
Check Abhishek, Sooryavanshi and Samson selection
Confirm opening and wicketkeeping roles
Use an actual toss report for conditions
Choose C / VC after roles are clear
C lean — after toss Analysis: consider a confirmed top-order role only after the XI and batting order are clear.
VC lean — after toss Analysis: compare a distinct batting or bowling role; do not assume a full bowling allocation.
Team sheet
Two sides. One open XI.
Stable team identity on top; match-night selection context below.
Team profiles · Selection context only
Profiles reviewed
AFG
Afghanistan
Spin shapes the middle-overs decision; confirmed batting position matters before any multiplier.
Editorial selection lens, not a confirmed squad or XI. Check both announced elevens after the toss.
Afghanistan hosts India in the first T20I at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday 13 September. The current Cricbuzz match page and NDTV schedule report list 7:30 pm IST. This note previously showed 7:00 pm; the start time has been corrected on match day.
Cricbuzz’s series preview describes India’s opening choice as a decision involving Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson. Selection and batting position still need confirmation. A squad name alone does not establish who will open or keep wicket tonight.
For this match, separate selection from role. First check which of those batters makes the XI; then use the announced order and wicketkeeping role to assess expected involvement. Do not assume that two familiar names will automatically be the opening pair.
Delhi is the confirmed venue, but this desk has no independently verified match-specific pitch or dew reading. The earlier wording treated a used strip and later dew as expected conditions. Those assumptions have been removed. Reassess only when the toss report describes the actual surface.
Our analysis: choose captain and vice-captain after those role checks, not from reputation alone. A confirmed opener may offer a different opportunity from a batter moved down the order. A bowler’s expected overs matter more than whether that player is the team captain.
This remains a pre-match note. It does not publish a confirmed XI or live score. Verify the toss, selection and contest rules before making a decision in the RS9 GAME lobby.
Not a locked XI. Names wait for both playing elevens. Lock in RS9 GAME.
