India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan’s fitness concern has eased ahead of the first T20I against Afghanistan after Navdeep Saini said the issue that forced Kishan out of training was not serious.
Kishan left a practice session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium after experiencing discomfort while avoiding a bouncer. He was assessed by India’s medical staff and did not resume batting during that session.
Saini, who was bowling in the nets, subsequently said Kishan was fine and there was nothing to worry about, providing the clearest indication yet that the batter remains in contention for Sunday’s series opener.
The update matters for India’s selection because Kishan is among several top-order options competing for places alongside Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and captain Shreyas Iyer.
Afghanistan will host India in the three-match T20I series in New Delhi, with matches scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Ibrahim Zadran will captain Afghanistan.
India had not announced its final playing XI at the time of publication, so Kishan’s exact role for the opener remains subject to team selection.
Sources: The Indian Express; Afghanistan Cricket Board.
