A three-match T20 International series between India and Afghanistan is set to begin on September 13; the BCCI has already announced the squad, which includes all key players. Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer—who took over the team’s leadership in this format after the 2026 T20 World Cup—India has played three series so far but managed to win only one; consequently, this series will be crucial for Iyer as captain. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan—who has been in excellent batting form since 2026—has a golden opportunity to surpass former captain MS Dhoni in the list of India’s highest run-scorers in T20 Internationals during this series against Afghanistan.
Ishan needs just 10 runs to overtake Dhoni
Since returning to the Indian squad, Ishan Kishan has been in prolific batting form, having played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 victory. If he scores 10 runs in the upcoming series against Afghanistan, he will overtake MS Dhoni and move into the ninth spot on the list of India’s all-time leading run-scorers in T20 Internationals. Kishan has scored 1,608 runs in 55 T20 International matches at an average of 29.77 so far. Dhoni, who currently holds the ninth position, has scored a total of 1,617 runs in the format.
A crucial series for Abhishek Sharma as well
Indian opening batsman Abhishek Sharma has not performed up to expectations in recent series, struggling significantly with his form throughout 2026; therefore, this series will be vital for him as well. Abhishek Sharma has played 23 matches in 2026, scoring just 514 runs at an average of 23.36. Consequently, if he fails to perform with the bat in the upcoming series against Afghanistan, questions could be raised regarding his place in the playing XI.
