AFG vs IND, 3rd T20I: India’s Predicted Playing XI

India will look to complete a clean sweep in the Friendship Cup when they face Afghanistan in the third T20I on September 17, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi. The hosts have won the opening two matches by seven wickets each, successfully chasing targets of 157 and 160 respectively.

After back-to-back victories, India captain Shreyas Iyer indicated that changes could be made to the playing XI, particularly with the team set to travel to Japan for the Asian Games, which begin on September 19. This presents an opportunity for fringe players to stake their claim in the squad.

Here is India's predicted XI for 3rd T20I vs Afghanistan:

Top order: Sanju Samson (WK), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan

The top order has performed consistently throughout the series. Sanju Samson scored 57 in the second T20I and has been a key figure in India's successful chases. Abhishek Sharma contributed 39 in the same match. While Samson was dismissed cheaply in the first game, Abhishek made 82 off 32 balls. However, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be given a chance in place of the southpaw. Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 38 in the second T20I showcased his ability to finish matches for India. The left-hander has been crucial in the lower middle order, and his presence in the playing XI is likely to continue given his recent form and experience in T20 cricket.