India are set to begin their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan on September 13, with the series serving as an important preparation opportunity ahead of the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The Asian Games campaign will kick off at India’s quarter-final on September 28. The team will also strive to maintain the gold medal and build on it from the Asian Games in 2022. The tournament will mark Shreyas Iyer’s maiden participation at a mega multi-sport event where he will be captaining the Indian team.
Addressing the pre-match press conference before the first T20I against Afghanistan, Shreyas Iyer explained that the Asian Games would be a thrilling event for Indian squad. He pointed out the chance to meet other sports players and exchange ideas on how to achieve the goal.
But the India skipper emphasized that the Indian side is not looking ahead big time and is thus on the Alien Desk for Afghanistan series.
Iyer has said Afghanistan is a quality side and India has been doing something positive over the past few days. The players seemed “in good shape; had the mindset, it’s important to stay focused on the challenge at hand,” he said.
Iyer said that it’ll be an exciting experience for him and the players who have never participated in an Asian Games tournament before, as the Asian Games are right around the corner. He also pointed out that India had a historic match with Japan.
The captain was very excited about meeting hockey players, Olympians and other athletes. He said that the contingent of Indians would see to the support of sports where he and his colleagues from other sports will represent the nation.
India will first try to kick off the tournament right against Afghanistan, and then focus on the Asian Games programme.