India have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with Jasprit Bumrah making a return after an injury break.

Bumrah last represented India in an ODI against England on July 16, when he suffered a left-knee injury. His inclusion in the Afghanistan squad is subject to fitness clearance. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana are also part of the squad subject to fitness clearance.

The Afghanistan series will begin on September 13 in New Delhi and will be played ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. The second T20I is scheduled for September 15, followed by the third match on September 17.

Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi included

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has returned to the T20I squad, while teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also been included following his strong performances against Zimbabwe.

Sooryavanshi will be among the top-order options alongside Abhishek Sharma, Samson and Ishan Kishan. Samson and Kishan are the two designated wicketkeepers in the squad.

Shreyas Iyer has been named captain, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain. Shivam Dube is also part of the middle order.

Bumrah to lead pace attack

Bumrah is set to spearhead the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, with Harshit Rana providing another fast-bowling option.

The all-rounder group consists of Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi form the spin options.

Hardik Pandya does not feature in the announced squad.

India squad for Afghanistan T20Is

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, Harshit Rana*.

*Subject to fitness clearance.

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his celebrated 21-year career with the Argentina national team.

The 39-year-old forward confirmed his decision after leading Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time, with Messi’s international career ending after another appearance in a World Cup final.

Messi made his senior international debut for Argentina in 2005 and went on to become the country’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer. He finished his international career with 125 goals in 207 appearances.

Messi’s Argentina career

Messi’s relationship with the Argentina national team included several painful defeats before he eventually led the side to major international honours.

He won the Copa América in 2021 before guiding Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in Qatar in 2022. Argentina also won the 2024 Copa América during his later international career.

The 2026 World Cup became his sixth appearance at the tournament. Argentina reached the final but fell short against Spain.

In announcing his decision, Messi said the choice was painful but that he understood the time had come to close this chapter of his career. He also expressed his continued love for representing Argentina.

Messi’s international records

Messi leaves Argentina as its most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.

His international honours include the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. His international career also included Olympic gold with Argentina in 2008.

Messi’s decision applies to international football and does not mean he has retired from the sport altogether. He remains a player for Inter Miami at club level.

Dhruv Jurel marked his century in the second Test against Sri Lanka with a special celebration, revealing a “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan” tattoo on his bicep in Colombo on Monday.

Jurel reached his century after spending 22 deliveries on 99. After taking a risky single to complete the milestone, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter punched the air, removed his helmet and revealed the tattoo as his teammates celebrated.

Jurel remained unbeaten on 115 off 177 deliveries, while his century also saw him achieve a unique feat in Test cricket in Sri Lanka.

Jurel enters record books with century

Jurel became the second Indian batter to score a century from No. 7 or below in a Test match in Sri Lanka.

His unbeaten 115 is also the highest individual score by an Indian batter batting at No. 7 or below in a Test in Sri Lanka, according to the provided match report.

The century also made Jurel the first Indian batter to score a century from No. 7 during a Test series in Sri Lanka. The earlier century mentioned in the report came from Hardik while batting at No. 8.

Jurel seeks Pant’s advice

Jurel also spoke about batting alongside Rishabh Pant and said he regularly seeks advice from the experienced wicketkeeper-batter.

Jurel said Pant’s experience makes his presence valuable, particularly because both players are wicketkeepers who bat in the middle order.

He also explained that he does not try to imitate Pant’s aggressive style. Instead, Jurel focuses on identifying which bowler to attack and deciding which spells he needs to negotiate.

Jurel said he dedicated his second Test century to his parents.

Jurel gives Pant fitness update

Jurel also provided an update on Pant after the latter was unable to take over wicketkeeping duties towards the end of the day’s play.

According to Jurel, Pant had taken a hit on his right shoulder and the team was closely monitoring his condition.

Jurel said he took over wicketkeeping because Pant’s shoulder was not in good condition and expressed hope that Pant would be fit the following day.