16 September,2026 11:05 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shreyas Iyer and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Pic: AFP)
Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer hinted that squad players might get a run in in the final T20 against Afghanistan after Team India secured the series 2-0.
Indian team put together a dominant display at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, chasing down Afghanistan's target of 160 runs in just 14.5 overs to secure a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Choosing to field first, India held Afghanistan to 159/8. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy led the bowling attack with figures of 3/24, supported by Arshdeep Singh's two wickets. For Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran provided the top score of 37, while Rashid Khan chipped in with 28 off 16 deliveries.
In reply, India made light work of the 160-run target. Sanju Samson smashed 57 off just 22 balls alongside Abhishek Sharma's 39 off 19 deliveries, taking the hosts to 82 runs in the powerplay. Rashid Khan dismissed Samson, Abhishek, and Shreyas Iyer to finish with three wickets, but Ishan Kishan (38') and Tilak Varma (15') guided India home.
During the presentation ceremony, Iyer expressed happiness at the team's dominant performance while hinting at squad rotation for the final match of the series.
"Looking at the last match and coming into this one, we were demanding a comprehensive win and today was a good one. The journey is always going to be a rollercoaster, and you have to be in equilibrium as much as possible. The more you embrace the situation, the better it gets. [Changes in the third T20I] Definitely, we want all of them to get used to the wicket and get some practice, so it will be a good opportunity to give a chance to the guys sitting out," Iyer said.
Player of the Match winner Nitish Kumar Reddy, who shone with his three-wicket spell, reflected on his current form and physical conditioning coming out of the Centre of Excellence (COE).
"[Body] feels good. Right now I feel at a good level. We've done some great work at the COE, and I feel good. I always wanted to be a great all-rounder, and for that I needed that extra pace, which I am getting. It's all about believing in yourself, and it's a funny game. Anything can change at any moment," Reddy said.
