Ishan Kishan Suffers Back Injury Scare in Nets Ahead of Afghanistan T20I

India faced an injury concern ahead of the opening T20I against Afghanistan after wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan appeared to hurt his back during a practice session in Delhi on Friday, September 11. The incident occurred while he was batting against pacer Navdeep Saini, who was bowling as a net bowler. Kishan attempted to evade a bouncer but immediately showed signs of discomfort and required attention from the team’s physiotherapists.

The injury scare came near the end of Kishan’s approximately 45-minute batting session. He did not return to the nets after receiving treatment, although there were some encouraging signs regarding the seriousness of the problem. The left-hander was reportedly able to walk without assistance and spent some time sitting on an ice box alongside teammates before leaving the field on his own. He was also seen speaking briefly with Saini after the session.

Kishan had looked in good touch before the incident and had struck the ball cleanly during his time at the crease. He was batting alongside India captain Shreyas Iyer and appeared comfortable against the bowlers until the back issue forced him to end his practice early. The team management will now closely monitor his recovery before finalising the playing combination for the series opener.

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Kishan’s fitness is particularly important for India given his strong performances in T20 cricket during 2026. The Jharkhand batter has scored 812 runs in 23 T20 internationals this year, making him the second-highest run-scorer in the format during the period. His form and ability to contribute as both an opener and wicketkeeper have made him an important part of India’s plans.

The injury concern comes shortly after Kishan joined the national squad following East Zone’s title-winning campaign in the Duleep Trophy, where he played a leading role. India will also be keen to avoid any setback ahead of the Asian Games, for which Kishan has been selected as part of the squad travelling to Japan. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson and teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi were seen batting together during another net session, underlining the alternatives available to India at the top of the order.

There has been no official confirmation that Kishan has been ruled out of the first T20I against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 13. His condition over the next 24 hours will determine whether he is fit to play or whether India must alter their batting and wicketkeeping combination for the opening match.

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