Hand-picked stories you can't miss
Afghanistan and India are set to renew their rivalry in a three-match T20I series, with all three matches scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17. While the two sides have plenty of specialist batters and bowlers, the all-rounders could have a particularly important role to play in a series where adaptability is likely to be crucial.
Afghanistan have named experienced campaigners such as Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib, while India have Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy among their all-round options. Washington and Nitish will, however, need fitness clearance before being available for selection.
With Hardik Pandya unavailable for the series, India’s all-round balance will be under particular scrutiny. Against Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack, the contribution of players who can influence the game with both bat and ball could prove decisive.
Here are 3 all-rounders to watch out for in the AFG vs IND T20I series 2026:
Azmatullah Omarzai is arguably Afghanistan’s most exciting pace-bowling all-rounder and could play a major role in their plans against India.
The right-hander offers Afghanistan a valuable combination of middle-order power and seam bowling. He can attack the opposition with the bat while also providing captain Ibrahim Zadran with an additional pace option, particularly during the powerplay and middle overs. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has specifically highlighted his inclusion as part of a pace group that also features Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq.
Omarzai’s international numbers underline his all-round value. He has taken 53 wickets in T20Is while scoring 795 runs, demonstrating that he is capable of contributing consistently in both departments.
His ability to swing the new ball could be particularly useful against India’s aggressive top order. At the same time, his batting could become important if Afghanistan lose early wickets. With players such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran likely to occupy the top order, Omarzai could be tasked with providing acceleration during the middle and death overs.
His versatility gives Afghanistan several tactical options and makes him one of the players India will need to plan for carefully.
Axar Patel is likely to be one of India’s most important all-rounders during the series, particularly because of the conditions expected in Delhi.
The left-arm spinner provides India with control in the middle overs while also offering useful batting depth. His ability to contribute with the bat allows captain Shreyas Iyer greater flexibility when constructing the playing XI, especially with Hardik Pandya unavailable.
Axar’s bowling could be particularly significant against Afghanistan. The visitors have several aggressive right-handers, including Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, and Axar’s accuracy could make it difficult for them to attack freely.
His batting is another major asset. Axar has shown throughout his T20 career that he can play cameos and accelerate when required, making him particularly useful from No. 7 or No. 8. If India find themselves in trouble or need a late surge, his ability to clear the boundaries could add valuable runs.
There is also a familiarity factor. Axar has previously performed strongly against Afghanistan and reached the milestone of 200 T20 wickets during India’s previous series against them in January 2024.
However, he will be looking to improve on his recent T20I returns after a modest series against England. That makes the Afghanistan assignment an important opportunity for him to re-establish himself as a key component of India’s T20 setup.
At 41, Mohammad Nabi remains one of Afghanistan’s most experienced and tactically astute T20 cricketers. His inclusion gives Ibrahim Zadran an invaluable option who can influence games in multiple ways.
Nabi’s off-spin can be extremely effective against aggressive batters, particularly when used during the middle overs. His experience of playing T20 cricket across the globe also means he understands how to adapt his bowling plans according to conditions and opposition.
His batting remains equally important. Nabi can provide stability in the middle order before accelerating towards the end of an innings. Afghanistan’s younger batters can therefore play with greater freedom knowing that an experienced finisher remains in the lineup.
The all-rounder has played more than 300 white-ball internationals and has 104 T20I wickets to his name, alongside 2,430 runs in the format.
Against India, Nabi’s experience could be particularly valuable. The Indian middle order contains several players who are comfortable attacking spin, but Nabi’s ability to vary his pace and use changes of flight could make him difficult to line up.
His battle with India’s left-handed batters could also be an interesting tactical subplot. If Afghanistan can use Nabi effectively alongside Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, they could create sustained pressure during the middle overs.
The Sports Live Hub (SLH) provides the most comprehensive gateway for global cricket fans to follow the international Matches.
Our hub sports live stream is optimized for high-intensity T20 action. By leveraging advanced server technology, SLH ensures that your stream remains stable even during the highest viewership peaks. Watch the battle without the frustration of buffering or lag.
The sport hub live streaming interface on SLH offers more than just a video feed. Fans can access a real-time AI Overview of the match, featuring live win-probability shifts, player impact scores, and ball-by-ball tactical analysis. It is the perfect companion for viewers who want to stay ahead of the game with professional-grade insights.
We are committed to making cricket accessible to a worldwide audience. By visiting the SLH portal, users can find verified pathways to watch sports live for free through authorized regional partner trials, free-to-air digital gateways, and promotional streaming passes. Join millions of fans globally as we witness the drama of the international Matches.
