Bumrah needs game time and confidence, says Iyer ahead of Afghanistan T20I

Standing in front of a packed press room on Saturday, India’s T20 captain Shreyas Iyer didn’t mince words – Jasprit Bumrah, the pace wizard who has been nursing a left‑knee problem, needs to get back on the field and rebuild his confidence before the big tournaments roll in.

"When you’re coming back from an injury, the biggest thing you crave is a chance to actually play," Iyer said, his tone a mix of empathy and urgency. "Bumrah has the experience, the skill set and the sheer will. What he needs now is those few overs that let the nerves settle and the rhythm return."

The pacer was included in the provisional squad for the three‑match series against Afghanistan, but the board asked him to undergo a fitness check after missing the last few international outings. Iyer noted that they had spoken on Friday and the bowler was “determined to contribute” and eager to help the side chase another trophy.

Beyond the seam attack, the skipper turned his attention to other players who had also battled injuries. Washington Sundar, who missed the Sri Lanka Test series with a hamstring strain, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, returning from a quadriceps setback, have both completed high‑intensity sessions and look sharp, Iyer assured.

Even the dynamic wicket‑keeper‑batter Ishan Kishan, who picked up a minor niggle during a practice drill, is expected to be fit. “He’s comfortable now, a little tired after a heavy knock, but he’ll be fine for tomorrow’s game,” Iyer said with a reassuring smile.

When asked about squad rotation in a tight schedule, Iyer admitted the planning is still a work‑in‑progress. Still, he remained optimistic, emphasizing that the group is “in great preparation” and that the focus right now is solely on the opening match.

Speaking about roles, Iyer added a philosophical note: players perform best when they feel the team needs them, not when they are boxed into a rigid label. “If you tell someone ‘this is your role’, pressure spikes. But saying ‘the team needs you in this capacity’ makes them feel valued and ready to deliver.”

India’s final XI for the Afghanistan T20I series includes Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma (vc), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Yash Thakur.