Iyer Signals Bench Players Could Feature in Third Afghanistan T20I

India are likely to rotate their side for the final T20I against Afghanistan after captain Shreyas Iyer suggested that players kept on the sidelines so far could get a game. The hint has revived talk of a first outing of the series for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

India sealed the series with a seven-wicket win in the second T20I on September 15. Sanju Samson set the tone for the result, striking 57 off only 22 balls, having played in both matches.

Iyer wants everyone to get used to conditions

Speaking after the win, Iyer said the team wanted the remaining players to become familiar with the surface and get some practice, calling the final game a good moment to give those on the bench a run.

Sooryavanshi is part of the squad for the Afghanistan series but has not played in either of the opening two games. The young batter made his T20I debut against England in July 2026, and with the contest already decided, the third match looks a natural place for him to be considered.

Satisfaction with the second-match display

Iyer was also pleased with how India played in Match 2. He said the side had been looking for a thorough, all-round win going into the game and felt that was what they produced.

With nothing left to decide in the series, the third T20I gives India the chance to widen their options and give match time to those still waiting for a debut or a return in this campaign.